Several local airports are receiving federal dollars to modernize facilities and strengthen airfield safety.
The Penn Yan Airport is earmarked to get almost $1.6 million that was granted through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program to extend its taxiway. The Elmira Corning Regional Airport will use its $950,000 for runway rehabilitation and lighting improvement. Almost $2.6 million in funding is headed to the Ithaca Tompkins County International Airport for runway signage and lighting, taxiway rehabilitation and construction and to purchase of a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.
Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the funding on Wednesday.
“From big cities like Buffalo & Syracuse to our rural communities in the North Country, Upstate NY’s regional airports are gateways for commerce, tourism and travel for residents. It is essential that they have the resources they need to deliver a safe and comfortable experience to all travelers, which is why I am proud to deliver a whopping $59+ million for airports across the Empire State to help our airports of all sizes reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “This $59+ million federal investment in new terminals, taxiways, safety, and other critical infrastructure upgrades will help airports soar. I fought hard to bolster the Airport Improvement Program in the FAA reauthorization this past year because I know this program is the main federal lifeline for these airports and today’s investment will help our local economies take off!”
“New York’s airports welcome millions of travelers each year, and it is vital that they have up-to-date infrastructure needed for passengers to travel safely,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This nearly $60 million in federal funding will bring much-needed safety and infrastructure improvements to airports across New York State. I am excited to announce this funding and will continue fighting to bring vital modernization efforts and improvements to airports across New York State.”
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