Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $1,687,500 federal grant to the Westchester County Airport for important infrastructure improvements. Specifically, Westchester County Airport will acquire updated snow removal and deicing equipment, which will keep the airport and aircrafts serviceable during snow periods and enhance the efficiency and safety of operations. Furthermore, funding will allow for Westchester County to conduct an environmental assessment in order to evaluate environmental issues associated with a proposed obstruction removal project.
“It is never too early to start planning for winter, when our airports need the right snow removal equipment to keep their runways safe and clear for takeoff,” said Senator Schumer. “Removing snow from airport runways safely and efficiently so flights can continue to operate on time is important for travelers, for Westchester County Airport, and for our economy overall.”
“New equipment for the Westchester County Airport is vital to ensuring that the airport runs efficiently and effectively,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Westchester County Airport’s snow removal and deicing equipment were out of date and needed to be replaced. With this new equipment, more passengers can travel through Westchester on time without snow delays.”
The Airport Improvement Program, through the Federal Aviation Administration, provides grants to public agencies — and, in some cases, to private owners and entities — for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The NPIAS, which is prepared and published every 2 years, identifies public-use airports that are important to public transportation and contribute to the needs of civil aviation, national defense, and the Postal service.
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.