December 3rd, 2021 by WCBC Radio
Today, U.S. Congressman David Trone and U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (all D-Md.) announced $1,202,449 in new American Rescue Plan funding for the Hagerstown Regional Airport ($1,143,449) and the Frederick Municipal Airport ($59,000). The federal relief funds will be used to cover costs of operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, debt service payments, and to prevent the spread of pathogens at the airport amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Investing in our airports supports our local economies and helps drive business in the region,” said the lawmakers. “That’s why we fought to pass the American Rescue Plan and secure federal dollars like these to help our local airports weather the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. We will keep working to bring federal resources to our state to modernize Maryland’s infrastructure and support our regional airports.”
“The new American Rescue Plan funding ensures that airport staff are equipped to handle the uncertainty of the pandemic and keeps our community safe,” said Jeff Cline, President of the Board of Washington County Commissioners. “The Hagerstown Regional Airport has been an important part of our community for as long as I can remember, and ensuring that it can operate smoothly is essential. I’d like to thank Congressman Trone along with Senators Cardin and Van Hollen for helping us get this funding.”
“We are very excited to receive over $1.1 million in grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA),” said Rick Johnson, Hagerstown Regional Airport Director. “These funds will help HGR as we continually work to combat the health effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. They will be utilized in our operational efforts to combat the spread of pathogens at the airport, to include funds for additional cleaning, sanitization, janitorial services, and more. HGR is a gem to our community and these funds will help us in our continual effort to provide a safe environment for those who utilize our airport.”
"The federal government's investment in general aviation at FDK is an investment in the economic vitality of the City of Frederick, said Michael O'Connor, Mayor of Frederick. “This additional funding will help FDK continue to build our local transportation economy and support the City's full economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic."
“We appreciate the continued support from our federal partners, the ARPA relief funds will aid our goals to be the preferred intermodal access point to the National Capital Region and the Frederick area,” said Andrew Moore, Frederick Municipal Airport Manager.
The Hagerstown Regional Airport is one of the oldest operating airports in the country. It’s located on Route 11, just three miles north of Hagerstown. The airport contributes to the community by hosting private pilots, businesses, and tourism events.
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