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Arizona Airports Get $197 Million More Federal COVID Relief Funds

Airports around Arizona are getting another round of federal funding to help recover from the effects of COVID-19. The latest money comes from the American Rescue Plan, signed into law earlier this year.

In total, Arizona airports will get $196,758,471 with Phoenix Sky Harbor getting the bulk at almost $158 million. Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport will collect nearly $9 million while nearly 40 small airports — from Ak Chin Regional to Window Rock will get between $22,000 and 32,000. You can view amounts for each airport here.

Sky Harbor will use the money to cover debt service payments, rent relief for airport concessionaires, and operating expenses. Passenger traffic from January through May is up 21.3% compared to the same period in 2020. But it’s still down 33.1% compared to 2019.  

In a news release, U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton, a Democrat who represents Arizona’s 9th District and a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s Aviation Subcommittee, said, As more Americans get vaccinated and resume travel for business and leisure, these funds from the American Rescue Plan can be put to work right away to help our airports and vendors meet increasing demand and ensure passenger and staff safety.”

In April 2020, Sky Harbor Airport received nearly $148 million through the CARES Act Airport Program. It also received a $39 million CRRSA Grant.

As a senior field correspondent, Christina Estes focuses on stories that impact our economy, your wallet and public policy.