KENTUCKY — Thirty Kentucky airports received a total of $12,858,789 in COVID-19 relief funds, announced Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., on Monday. The federal funding, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), comes from the Coronavirus Relief and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2020. 

“The bipartisan COVID relief passed by the Senate last year continues to fuel Kentucky’s economic comeback. In particular, I’m proud these resources will lift our Commonwealth’s airports as they support their workers and safely connect travelers to their destinations,” said McConnell. “Each Kentuckian who receives the safe and effective COVID vaccine helps get us closer to a strong recovery.”

The funding can be used for anything from operations and personnel to sanitization and combating the spread of pathogens at the airport, according to FAA.

“Now, more than ever, building and improving infrastructure creates jobs and facilitates business growth. Through Sen. McConnell’s continued leadership for Kentucky, we’re receiving funds critical to the airport’s ability to support the local economy,” said Louisville Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Dan Mann.

“Kentucky has been fortunate to have a strong leader in Sen. McConnell, as we have all faced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport Operations Manager Tristan Durbin. “His leadership has aided the Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport by granting necessary funding enabling the airport to support the local economy and maintain vital air service for Owensboro and the surrounding region.”

Kentucky airports had already received nearly $110 million from other COVID-19 rescue packages before Monday's announcement.