McConnell Announces $1 Million to help Owensboro Airport Take Flight

Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) announced today Owensboro-Daviess County Airport Board received $1,010,310 to continue operations and keep travelers safe during the coronavirus pandemic. The federal funding, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was made available by the bipartisan Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020, which Senator McConnell negotiated and led to enactment in December.

"Hardworking Kentuckians at Owensboro's airport have faced serious challenges over the last year. Through five historic and bipartisan rescue packages in 2020, I led the Senate to deliver the critical resources to help them face these hurdles and continue to thrive," said Senator McConnell. "Now, with over 1.6 million Kentuckians having already received one of the multiple safe and effective vaccinations, Owensboro's airport team is ready to champion our economic comeback."

According to FAA, the federal resources can be used for operations, sanitization, and to prevent the spread of pathogens at the airport. Of the airports' total award, $3,987 was provided to support third-party vendors including car rentals, parking operations, and concessions.

"Kentucky has been fortunate to have a strong leader in Senator McConnell, as we have all faced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic," said Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport Operations Manager Tristan Durbin. "His leadership has aided the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport by granting necessary funding enabling the airport to support the local economy and maintain vital air service for Owensboro and the surrounding region."

"As a community, we are very grateful and excited to receive this news," said Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson. "Our airport is an extremely valuable component of our overall economic development endeavors, and this greatly enhances our opportunity for growth. As home to one of only five control towers in the Commonwealth and the third longest runway, we want to thank Senator McConnell for his efforts in continuing to help Owensboro and Daviess County grow."

Last year, Senator McConnell announced the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport received more than $1.1 million in federal funding, including from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Senator McConnell introduced the CARES Act in March 2020 and led it to Senate passage.

Before this funding announcement, Kentucky airports had received nearly $110 million from the bipartisan COVID rescue packages Senator McConnell led to enactment.

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