Fresno Yosemite International Airport to Receive Federal CARES Act Grant
Fresno Yosemite International Airport
to Receive Federal CARES Act Grant
Fresno, CA (April 20, 2020) – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) has been awarded $12.9 million as part of the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act – the U.S. economic stimulus package in response to the COVID-19 global health pandemic – will ensure FAT continues operations and will help to cover lost airport revenue from the unexpected drop in air travel. Airports nationwide will receive a portion of the $10 billion relief package to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 impacts, including support for continuing airport operations.
“We are extremely appreciative for the passage of the CARES Act to help FAT continue serving the Central Valley during this pandemic and in the future,” said Director of Aviation Kevin Meikle. “As an essential service provider for the region, the dedicated airport grant funding through the CARES Act provides immediate relief to ensure FAT will be able to continue operating during the crisis and ready to serve our passengers when travel resumes.”
According to the Department of Transportation (DOT), the funds are available for airport operating expenses including payroll, utilities and airport debt payments. FAT plans to administer the CARES Act monies in a prudent manner over the current fiscal year end, which ends on June 30 and in fiscal year 2021, which begins July 1, 2020. As a major economic engine for the region, prioritizing these funds is critical to ensure FAT remains financially stable and is able to meet required bond covenants.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport – Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) is the largest driver in economic activity in the Central San Joaquin Valley with $844 million of annual economic activity and 9,800 direct, induced and indirect jobs. Domestic and international carriers serving FAT offer Valley travelers daily nonstop flights to Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, and Guadalajara, León, and Morelia, Mexico.
Fresno Yosemite International Airport is a municipally owned entity operating as a self-supporting enterprise. No City of Fresno general funds are used to operate Fresno Yosemite International Airport or Fresno Chandler Executive Airport.
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