Frederick Municipal Airport Receives Federal Funding

The money comes from the American Rescue Plan.

Frederick, Md (KM) More than $1.2-million in American Rescue Plan funding is coming to two airports in the region. Sixth District Congressman David Trone (D-Md), and Senators Ben Cardin (D) and Chris Van Hollen (D) made that announcement last week.

According to a news release from the three legislators, $59,000 of that funding is going to Frederick Municipal Airport. The funds will be used for cover the costs of operations, personnel, cleaning, sanitation, janitorial services and debt service payments. The federal legislators say the money is also intended to help prevent the spread of pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The federal government’s investment in general aviation at FDK {Frederick Municipal Airport} is an investment in the economic vitality of the City of Frederick,” says Mayor Michael O’Connor in a statement. “The additional funding will help FDK to build our local transportation economy and support the City’s full economic recovery from the effect of the pandemic.

Airport Manager Andrew Moore said: “We appreciate the continued support from our federal partners. The ARPA relief funds will aid our goals to be the preferred intermodal access to the National Capital Region and the Frederick area.”

Frederick Municipal Airport is a full service reliever airport in the National Capital Region with  over 90,000 aircraft operations annually. That makes it the second busiest airport in the state of Maryland, according to a news release from the three legislators.

Hagerstown Regional Airport is receiving $1,143,449 in federal ARPA funding. That facility is one of the oldest operating airports in the nation. It’s located north of Hagerstown along Route 11, and contributes to the community by hosting private pilots, businesses and tourism events.

By Kevin McManus