U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $4 million in federal funding for the Elmira Corning Regional Airport in Chemung County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Specifically, the funding will be used to make improvements to Elmira Corning Regional Airport’s terminal building. This grant will fund the final phase of the demolition of the eastern half of the terminal building; the construction of the passenger departure lounge, public circulation space, and inbound baggage handling system; and general site improvements.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to safe travel for area residents and in attracting business and tourism to Elmira, Corning and the entire Southern Tier,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds will allow the Elmira/Corning Regional Airport to make improvements to their terminal building, improving the safety and operations for those that fly in and out of the airport.”
“This federal investment will give the Elmira Corning Regional Airport the resources it needs to modernize their terminal building, which will increase the safety and travel experience for people flying to and from the Southern Tier,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investments like this are critical to local economic development around our state, and I will continue to fight for the resources that our airports across New York need to be safe, modern, and efficient.”
“This additional $4 million for airport improvements is great news for the Elmira Corning Regional Airport. The monies will be used to complete our airport terminal expansion project as well as the restoration of the FAA airport tower. We want to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their ongoing support and commitment to our airport. Through his efforts, ECRA has become a world-class aviation gateway into the Twin Tiers,” said Tom Santulli, Chemung County Executive.
This funding is awarded through the AIP and is administered by the FAA. The AIP provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.