U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $587,880 in federal funding for two Rochester- Finger Lakes region airports. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). These funds will provide the Dansville Municipal Airport in Livingston County with $346,500 and the Canandaigua Airport in Ontario County with $241,380. These federal funds will be used to invest in updating Airport Master Plans, which are long-term study evaluations that help determine what current and future upgrades are needed to help airports meet aviation demands.
“This funding is critical for helping our Rochester- Finger Lakes Region airports determine what facility upgrades they will need to meet demand and ensure the highest level of safety and efficiency for passengers and pilots,” said Senator Schumer. “Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to the region.”
“This funding will help advance operation maintenance at Dansville Municipal and Canandaigua Airports,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investing in our airport’s infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who rely on it every day. I will continue to push for funding to help ensure there is timely, safe air travel New Yorkers can rely on.”
“On behalf of the Ontario County Industrial Development Agency we are very pleased to receive the notice of Grant Award for the Airport Master Plan Study. This will help us carefully plan for the maintenance and growth of D38, the Canandaigua Airport,” said Michael J. Manikowski, Economic Developer for Ontario County. “We appreciate the continued support we receive from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand on this and other community development activities in the County.”
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.