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More than 70 North Carolina airports will receive nearly $284 million in federal aid to help with their response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao announced Tuesday the Federal Aviation Administration will award the money to 72 airports as part of the Trump administration’s newly created Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act Airport Grant Program. The program is aimed at providing relief to U.S. families, workers and businesses.

Local airports receiving grants include: Currituck County Regional (Currituck) – $30,000, Northeastern Regional (Edenton) – $30,000, Elizabeth City CG Air Station/Regional – $30,000, Hyde County (Engelhard) – $20,000, Billy Mitchell (Hatteras) – $20,000, First Flight (Kill Devil Hills) – $20,000, Dare County Regional (Manteo) – $69,000, Ocracoke Island (Ocracoke) – $20,000, according to the FAA website.

A news release from the FAA said the money will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other airport business due to the pandemic. The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities and airport debt payments.

– Associated Press and staff reports

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