After construction workers removed siding from the facade of the Kenai Municipal Airport, a mural with iconic Kenai images like fishing nets, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox chapel and a dog musher, was revealed on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 in Kenai, Alaska.(Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

After construction workers removed siding from the facade of the Kenai Municipal Airport, a mural with iconic Kenai images like fishing nets, the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox chapel and a dog musher, was revealed on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019 in Kenai, Alaska.(Photo by Victoria Petersen/Peninsula Clarion)

Peninsula airports get federal funds

More than $124 million in federal relief funds has been awarded to 257 Alaska airports to replace “vital revenue lost” because of the COVID-19 global pandemic.

A joint April 15 press release from Alaska’s federal delegation — Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska — said the relief funds will help airports continue operations, replacing revenue lost by COVID-19-related travel restrictions.

The money can also be used for airport capital expenditures, payroll, utilities and debt payments, the release said.

The Kenai Municipal Airport is set to receive $1,622,758. Homer airport was awarded $1,192,837. Soldotna’s airport was awarded $30,000, along with the airports in Seward and Seldovia. Port Graham’s airport was awarded $20,000.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has made the transportation of medical supplies particularly important by putting our airports front and center in getting Alaskans the support they need to weather this crisis,” the press release said. “The funding announced by the DOT is welcome news for our dedicated pilots, mechanics, and other airport workers on the frontlines of this pandemic. COVID-19 has caused much uncertainty across industries in our state.

More in News

Community members hold up protest signs during the Stand for Democracy Rally on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
‘We haven’t lost our democracy yet’

Homer community protests amid sweeping federal changes.

Girl Scout Troop 210, which includes Caitlyn Eskelin, Emma Hindman, Kadie Newkirk and Lyberty Stockman, present their “Bucket Trees” to a panel of judges in the 34th Annual Caring for the Kenai Competition at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Caring for the Kenai announces 12 finalists

The final presentations will take place on April 17 in Kenai.

Daaljíni Mary Cruise, left, offers encouragement to participants in a Unity for the Queer Community rally at the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday afternoon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Hundreds participate in Juneau LGBTQ+ rally as Trump administration seeks to erase letters and rights

President’s actions to stop “woke” are putting people’s safety and health at risk, participants say.

Sabrina Donnellan and her family attend a community luncheon for federal employees at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 8, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Fired and current federal employees find solidarity as community offers support

Trump administration seeks to make government more efficient; fired employees say opposite will happen.

A cruise ship is docked in Seward, Alaska on Wednesday, May 25, 2022. (Camille Botello/Peninsula Clarion)
Dunleavy signs law OK’ing issuance of bonds for new Seward dock, terminal facility

Replacement of Seward’s dock is a major, multifaceted initiative being undertaken by The Seward Company.

The sign in front of the Homer Electric Association building in Kenai, Alaska as seen on April 1, 2020. (Peninsula Clarion file)
HEA community outreach programs now open

Applications for the 2025 HEA Scholarship Program are due March 30.

tease
Burn permits required early for Southcentral Alaska

The order goes into effect on Monday, March 17, in expectation of an early wildland fire season.

Alaska State Troopers logo.
Sterling man arrested by SWAT after alleged Tuesday assault

The man allegedly assaulted and threatened multiple people before being arrested by a SWAT team.

Foliage surrounds the Soldotna Police Department sign on Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2022 in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Soldotna man arrested after police chase, multiple collisions

Aldon Burns is charged with failure to stop at the direction of a peace officer, fourth-degree assault and resisting arrest.

Most Read