Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,538,284.00 in federal funding, which includes $2,388,284.00 in discretionary funding and $150,000.00 in entitlement funding, for the Finger Lakes Regional Airport. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will be used to replace and rehabilitate the taxiway. Specifically, this award will replace 4,500 feet of taxiway and will also be used to replace lighting, markings, signage and drainage.
“Making sure our runways are clear for takeoff is essential for the safety of our New York travelers,” said Senator Schumer. “This much-needed funding will allow the Finger Lakes Regional Airport to rehabilitate the taxiway to keep travelers safe. Ensuring our regional airports, which are economic engines, have top-notch resources will always be a priority of mine.”
“Taxiway improvements are a priority and necessary to help ensure airport safety,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This investment will help ensure safer travel for New Yorkers who travel through the Finger Lakes Regional airport every day.”
“The drainage part of the program has been underway for the past 10 years. The drainage improvements will allow for expansion of the airport and help with the economic development opportunities region wide,” said Mr. Wilfred Bordeau, Director of Planning for Seneca County. “The airport has experienced considerable development in the past 5 years in regards to jet traffic and is at 100% capacity with hangar space. The additional property being brought online with the drainage improvements will allow for additional hangar space. The improvements will also help with adjacent farming operations and their drainage problems.”
This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program(AIP) and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Airport Improvement Program 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.