Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $27,769,082 in federal funding for Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The funding was allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration and will be used to rehabilitate a runway to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and extend its useful life.
“This one-two combo from the CARES Act and American Rescue Plan will help Buffalo Niagara International Airport reach new heights and accelerate Western New York’s regional economic takeoff,” said Senator Schumer. “Air travel was among the most severely impacted industries amid the height of the pandemic, which is why I fought so hard to include much needed federal relief to vital economic engines like the Buffalo Niagara Airport. As Majority Leader, I am proud to deliver this funding for these essential upgrades to keep local air travel safe & efficient and boost Western New York’s largest travel hub to soar like never before.”
“Buffalo Niagara International is one of our state’s busiest airports. It plays a critical role in welcoming tourists from around the country and the world and helping our upstate economy thrive,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These grants will fund critical repairs and ensure that the airport remains safe and efficient. I’m proud to have worked to pass the legislation that delivered this funding and I’ll keep fighting tooth and nail to bring federal dollars home to Buffalo.”
This funding comes from two separate grants. The first awards $14,435,749.00 of funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) of 2020 to complete the second phase of the project, which consists of the rehabilitation of 1,800 feet of the 8,829 foot runway. The second grant awards $13,333,333.00 of funding from the American Rescue Plan to complete the project’s third phase, which consists of rehabilitating an additional 3,159 feet.
Senator Gillibrand previously delivered $10 million in federal funding to Buffalo Niagara International Airport for runway repairs and rehabilitation.