The U. S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently extended a Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) grant offer with a maximum obligation of $18,120,304 to the Salisbury-Ocean City: Wicomico Regional Airport. With the approval of Resolution No. 47-2020 on July 7, 2020, the Wicomico County Council authorized the County Executive to accept the grant award. On July 9, 2020, the grant agreement was fully executed.
The purpose of the grant is to maintain safe and efficient airport operations. The grant funds are available for a period of four years and can be used to help offset a severe decline in revenues resulting from diminished airport operations and activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Passenger counts at the airport have fallen significantly along with related revenues because of COVID-19. The airport will utilize funding for allowable operational and maintenance expenses as well as infrastructure repairs, improvements, and development projects that FAA determines eligible under the grant.
With the acceptance of the grant, Wicomico County and the airport agree to terms and conditions outlined in the grant agreement. These terms and conditions ensure that grant funds are spent appropriately, proper financial reporting and auditing is maintained, and other special conditions are adhered to.
Wicomico County extends its gratitude to Senator Cardin and Senator Van Hollen for supporting this much needed relief.
