Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirstin Gillibrand announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation has granted the Greater Binghamton Airport a total $550,000 to expand and improve service. The grant was awarded under the Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) Program and will spread hub service westward and increase airline competition. Senator Schumer wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood in support of Binghamton’s application last fall.
“This grant is great news for the future of the Binghamton area,” said Schumer. “More options for passengers means better service and cheaper flights and I am confident that this investment will spur job creation. I’m going to keep on fighting to bring grants like this one to the southern tier.”
“This is a great investment for Binghamton,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help improve services at the airport, attract new businesses and spark growth to the local economy, and create new jobs. I will continue working with Senator Schumer to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
Broome County Executive Barbara Fiala was thrilled to learn that Binghamton won the funding:
“We are delighted to be on the receiving end of this important transportation grant,” said Executive Fiala. “This is going to go a long way in helping our efforts to attract additional, much needed air service for our community. I want to acknowledge Carl Beardsley, our Aviation Commissioner, for all of the work he did to secure this grant and I want to thank Senator Schumer for being our biggest advocate for our airport and our community!”
Since its enactment in 2002, the Department of Transportation’s SCASD program has given small communities the tools they need to provide affordable and effective air service to area residents. The funds are used to incentivize air carrier investment, study service needs, and create marketing programs that build passenger use.