Today, U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced over $81 million in emergency CARES Act funds to Tampa International Airport.  The CARES Act was passed by Congress three weeks ago to speed emergency aid back home for coronavirus emergency relief. These funds were appropriated to eligible U.S. airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Tampa International Airport is the pride of the Tampa Bay area and its employees are critical to our economic well-being.  I’m proud to announce emergency aid to ensure continuity of operations for essential services,” said Castor. “Air travel and support to the frontline workers who are keeping our airports safe and clean are fundamental to our economy. In the days ahead I’ll work to speed additional aid to boost our economy and ensure lifeline services, like air travel, continue here in Tampa.” 

“Tampa International Airport and the Authority’s three general aviation airports are critical economic drivers for the communities they serve,” said TPA CEO Joe Lopano. “This historic grant funding will provide much-needed relief to help mitigate the unprecedented and dramatic drop in business we’ve experienced and will ensure we’re able to recover and resume operations when that business returns. We’re thankful to Rep. Castor and our other federal and FAA partners for the work and consideration they’ve put into the CARES Act and for recognizing the importance of supporting airport infrastructure.” 

Tampa Executive and Peter O. Knight Airports also will receive funds. 

Allocation of Funding for Florida’s 14th Congressional District:

The CARES Act, the third federal coronavirus aid package, provides approximately $10 billion in relief for America's airports.  The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities, and airport debt payments. The CARES Act is a $2 Trillion coronavirus relief package passed by Congress and signed into law on March 27, 2020.