Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Stewart International Airport is set to receive a $1,979,977 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, this funding will allow Stewart to repair cracks in the runway pavement, making it less susceptible to deterioration, particularly with the winter months coming up. In addition, the funding will be used to lay new lines on the rehabilitated runway. Schumer and Gillibrand applaud DOT for their work to increase safety at all airports.
“This federal grant will literally pave the way for improved safety at the airport and economic development in the Hudson Valley,” said Senator Schumer. “By facilitating runway renovations at Stewart International, we can better serve residents, businesses and visitors to Hudson Valley and help boost the area’s economy.”
“This is an important investment for Stewart International Airport,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Updating the airport’s runway infrastructure can help provide better, safer service for travelers and business, and help strengthen the local economy.”
The funding for Stewart International Airport is part of the Airport Improvement Program, administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration. 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).
The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) was established by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Since then, the AIP has been amended several times, most recently with the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. 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.