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Van Hollen, Cardin, Harris Applaud More than $4.4 Million in Federal Funding for Eastern Shore Airports

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Andy Harris M.D. (all Md.) today announced an award of $4,457,609 in federal funds for airport improvement projects in Worcester, Talbot and Queen Anne’s Counties. The funding is awarded through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and authorized under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

“The Eastern Shore’s airports provide a hub for local jobs and economic opportunity. This investment will help modernize key infrastructure so our regional airports continue to serve Maryland’s communities effectively and efficiently,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee. “We will keep fighting for federal funds to support and grow our regional economies.”

“Local airports on the Eastern Shore provide a critical connection between communities and economies throughout our state and region,” said Senator Cardin, Ranking Member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee. “Improving our airport infrastructure is critical for our recovery through the COVID-19 economic crisis. This investment will provide these airports with the federal resources they need to continue serving our communities, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth throughout the region.”

“Our local Eastern Shore airports offer a wide variety of flights and serve countless customers each year.  Additionally, they support good paying jobs and are a backbone of the local communities.  As a Member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am very supportive of federal efforts to support small businesses and local job creators during this pandemic,” said Congressman Harris.

The funds will be used for runway reconstruction and extensions, projects to improve safety and ensure facilities meet FAA safety and design standards. The recipients of these funds are as follows:

  • Ocean City Municipal Airport, Ocean City, Md.: $2,650,442
  • Bay Bridge Airport, Stevensville, Md.: $189,480
  • Easton/Newnam Field, Easton Md.: $1,617,687  

These funds are made available through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant and the authorized CARES Act funds waive local cost share requirements for Fiscal Year 2020. Lawmakers previously announced over $107 million in COVID-19 economic relief for Maryland airports. Additional information on how funding is distributed nationwide may be found through the FAA.