The Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport (OWB) is set to receive just more than $1 million in additional federal funding “to continue operations and keep travelers safe during the coronavirus pandemic.”
The federal funding, distributed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), was made available by the CARES Act of 2020, according to the announcement made Tuesday by U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).
According to the FAA, the federal resources can be used for operations, sanitization, and to prevent the spread of pathogens at the airport. Of the airport’s total award, $3,987 was provided to support third-party vendors including car rentals, parking operations, and concessions.
“Kentucky has been fortunate to have a strong leader in Senator McConnell, as we have all faced the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic,” said Tristan Durbin, who recently began his role as Director of OWB after being promoted from his position as Operations Manager. “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.”
McConnell said hardworking Kentuckians at Owensboro’s airport have faced serious challenges over the last year.
“Now, with over 1.6 million Kentuckians having already received one of the multiple safe and effective vaccinations, Owensboro’s airport team is ready to champion our economic comeback,” McConnell said.
Owensboro Mayor Tom Watson said the community was grateful and excited to receive the additional funds.
“Our airport is an extremely valuable component of our overall economic development endeavors, and this greatly enhances our opportunity for growth,” Watson said. “As home to one of only five control towers in the Commonwealth and the third-longest runway, we want to thank Senator McConnell for his efforts in continuing to help Owensboro and Daviess County grow.”
OWB was one of 30 airports statewide that received a total of $12,858,789. Before Monday’s funding announcement, Kentucky airports had received nearly $110 million from COVID-19 rescue packages.
Last year, the OWB received more than $1.1 million in federal CARES ACT funding.
