Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Congressman Anthony Brindisi (D-NY-22) today announced $6,462,000 in federal funding for the Greater Binghamton Airport in Broome 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 build a new taxiway by rehabilitating and connecting two existing taxiways. This will help airplanes better navigate the taxiway area and prevent collisions.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to safe travel for area residents and in attracting business and tourism to Binghamton and throughout the region,” said Senator Schumer. “This significant federal investment will allow the Greater Binghamton Airport make sorely-needed improvements to its runway, boosting the safety and operations for those that fly in and out of the airport.”
“This federal funding is great news for the Greater Binghamton Airport, which will be able to build a new taxiway and help improve safety for travelers flying in and out of Broome County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investing in airport infrastructure helps promote local economic development in our communities, and I will do everything I can to ensure that our airports receive the resources they need to be safe, modern, and efficient.”
“This is a critical investment in the infrastructure of the Southern Tier. These funds will be used to improve the airport and help spur economic growth opportunities for years to come,” said Congressman Brindisi.
“This funding will ensure that the infrastructure at the Greater Binghamton Airport is sound for years to come as we continue to rebuild service and operations for our community. We are committed to ensuring the foundation is strong at BGM to continue to develop our Airport as an economic driver in the Southern Tier Region,” said Mark Heefner, Commissioner of Aviation, Greater Binghamton Airport.
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.