(JUNEAU, Alaska) – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released $124.17 million for Alaskan airports to offset impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant funding comes from the CARES Act Airport Grant Program and will help 257 airports across the state.

“We appreciate the support of Congress and the FAA,” said John MacKinnon, DOT&PF Commissioner. “This funding is critical to support airport maintenance and operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the decline in aviation traffic due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds can be used for any aviation expense including airport operating expenses, airport debt service payments, capital projects, and more.”

The funding for state airports will be available upon receiving legislative authority, with the specific use of funding to be determined soon. Funds will help offset the state’s budget challenges and decreased oil revenue in order to ensure the highest aviation priorities remain funded.

The State of Alaska’s Department of Transportation & Public Facilities owns and operates 239 airports including the Alaska International Aviation System, comprised of Fairbanks (FAI) and Ted Stevens Anchorage (ANC) International Airports. Of the amount granted to Alaska, approximately $33 million is for the two international airports, $49 million is for state-owned rural airports, and $41.7 million is for non-state owned airports.
For more information:

• U.S. DOT press release: U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $124.17 Million to Alaska Airports in Response to COVID-19
• Interactive map with locations and funding amount: Map of CARES Funding

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 9 ferries serving 35 communities along 3,500 marine miles, over 5,600 miles of highway and 839 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”

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