U.S. Senator Susan Collins, the Ranking Member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, announced today that 31 airports across Maine have been awarded a total of $9.7 million to help alleviate the financial pressure they are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  This funding was provided through the COVID-19 package that was signed into law in December.  Senator Collins co-led the bipartisan group that negotiated the package. 

“Like other airports around the world, Maine airports are struggling to make ends meet given the sharp downturn in passenger traffic caused by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Senator Collins.“This investment will help ensure that airports across the state will continue to serve as engines of job creation and essential pieces of our transportation network after the current public health and economic crisis has passed.”

Maine airports will be able to use these funds to keep airport workers employed, for operating expenses to keep airports in reliable and safe operation, and for debt service obligations. 

The following four airports received funding for operations as well as for concessionaires:   Bangor International Airport: $2,650,935;  Hancock County-Bar Harbor Airport: $1,005,588;  Portland International Jetport: $4,721,763 and  Presque Isle International Airport: $1,007,336

Twenty-seven other general aviation airports will receive remaining funds:  Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport: $23,000; Augusta State Airport: $23,000;  Belfast Municipal Airport: $9,000;  Bethel Regional Airport: $13,000; Biddeford Municipal Airport: $13,000; Brunswick Executive Airport: $13,000; Caribou Municipal Airport: $9,000;  Sugarloaf Regional Airport: $ 9,000; Dexter Regional Airport: $13,000; Eastport Municipal Airport: $9,000; Northern Aroostook Regional Airport in Frenchville: $9,000; Eastern Slopes Regional Airport in Fryeburg: $13,000;   Greenville Municipal Airport: $9,000;  Houlton International Airport: $13,000;  Newton Field Airport in Jackman: $9,000; Lincoln Regional Airport: $13,000;   Machias Valley Airport: $9,000; Millinocket Municipal Airport: $13,000; Central Maine Airport of Norridgewock: $13,000;  Dewitt Field, Old Town Municipal Airport: $13,000; Oxford County Regional Airport: $9,000;    Pittsfield Municipal Airport: $13,000; Princeton Municipal Airport: $9,000; Steven A Bean Municipal Airport: $9,000; Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport: $23,000; Waterville Robert Lafleur Airport: $13,000 and    Wiscasset Airport: $13,000.