Van Hollen, Cardin, Hoyer Applaud More than $5.5 Million in Federal Funding for St. Mary’s County Regional Airport

U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Congressman Steny Hoyer (all D-Md.) today announced an award of $5,560,023 in federal funds to St. Mary’s County Regional Airport in Leonardtown, Md. for the extension and reconstruction of the airport runway. 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 St. Mary’s County Regional Airport is 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 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 St. Mary’s County Regional Airport with the federal resources they need to continue serving our communities, creating jobs and stimulating economic growth throughout the region.”

“I’m pleased the St. Mary’s County Regional Airport will receive this important funding,” said Congressman Hoyer. “This critical funding will ensure our local infrastructure can continue to serve Southern Marylanders, and enhance economic development. I will continue to work with my colleagues to secure funding to improve our infrastructure systems.” 

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.