Davids Secures $1.2 Million in Federal Relief to Airports and Transportation Businesses in the Third District
Today, Representative Sharice Davids announced that over $1.2 million in pandemic relief aid has been granted to airports and transportation businesses in the Third District of Kansas. Through the American Rescue Plan and the Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) program, both of which Davids voted to support, four local businesses will be receiving flexible economic relief funds to keep their doors open and keep travelers safe.
"As the holiday season approaches and folks get back to traveling to see their loved ones, I'm glad to announce that these transportation businesses are getting much-needed help to stay fully staffed and serve our community safely," said Davids. "These grants not only help local businesses keep their doors open, they also support our economic recovery broadly by ensuring folks feel safe as they start to travel again."
The American Rescue Plan included $8 billion in funds to be awarded as economic assistance to eligible U.S. airports to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the COVID pandemic. These grants will be used to cover personnel costs and pay for enhanced cleaning, sanitization, and janitorial services to combat the spread of pathogens at the airport. In the Third District, $91,000 total was awarded to two recipients:
- New Century Aircenter Airport
- Johnson County Executive Airport
"Like much of America, COVID impacted airport budgets across the country both from an income and expense perspective. From a safety and operations standpoint, these two grants will assist Johnson County's airports to continue to be important contributors to the state's economy as two of the busiest airports in Kansas," said Aaron Otto, Executive Director, Johnson County Airport Commission.
CERTS program grants have been awarded to over 1,400 motorcoach, school bus, passenger vessel and pilotage companies representing all 50 states. 93% of recipients are small businesses and more than 33% are minority-owned businesses. This grant will help these businesses cover payroll costs, purchase PPE, perform maintenance on equipment and facilities, pay rent and insurance, and more. In the Third District, $1,163,814 total was awarded to two recipients:
- Wheatland Enterprises of Leawood, KS
- Crossroads Tours of Olathe, KS
Along with voting for both of these grant programs, Davids has been a tireless advocate for small businesses through her role on the House Small Business Committee. She fought for relief for small businesses to stay afloat through the pandemic like the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Restaurant Revitalization Fund, and successfully pushed SBA to extend the deadline for small businesses to repay COVID-19 disaster loans. She has also been a strong voice for women, minority- and tribal-owned businesses, working with SBA to ensure access to critical funds through PPP.