U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $737,148 in federal funding is being awarded to Greater Binghamton Airport, Sidney Municipal and Lt. Warren Eaton airports. The funding is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program and is being used to update infrastructure and equipment at the airports.
“This Department of Transportation grant will ensure that airports across the Southern Tier can continue to safely serve residents, businesses and visitors to region for years to come,” said Senator Schumer. “From snow removal equipment to the installation of new runway lighting and more, this federal investment will increase safety at our airports all while ensuring that these airports remain strong fixtures of the region’s economy.”
“This is an important investment for the region’s airports,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Updating runways, taxiways and lighting can help improve safety, and keep more flights moving on time for travelers and businesses. And new snow removal equipment can help keep flights on the move even during harsh winter conditions. Together, these investments can help strengthen the local economy.”
Greater Binghamton Airport is receiving $454,094 in federal funding for new snow removal equipment. The airports current sweeper has reached the end of its useful life and needs replacing.
Sidney Municipal Airport is receiving $238,054 to install new lighting in the airport hangar, replace an off-airport obstruction beacon, install a wildlife perimeter fence, and construct a new taxiline to improve access to aircraft hangars.
Lt. Warren Eaton Airport in Norwich is receiving $45,000 to design and install taxiway lighting to improve safety during low visibility. The grant will also fund the design to replace the airport rotating beacon, which was originally installed in 1990 and requires replacement.