U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $168,750 in federal funding for Greater Binghamton/Edwin A Link Field Airport in Broome County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will be used to design the reconstruction of the airport’s north apron runway. The north apron is used for the deicing of aircraft and was last resurfaced in 1995, nearly 20 years ago. Redesigning the runway will be the first step in its reconstruction. Resurfacing the apron will allow for both increased efficiency and room for deicing planes during winter months.
“These federal funds will finally give the Greater Binghamton Airport the money needed to redesign their north apron, which is the first step in reconstructing a runway that has not been resurfaced in nearly 20 years,” said Senator Schumer. “We should always strive to achieve the highest standards of aviation safety, and this funding will support that goal. Making sure our runways are clear for takeoff will always be a top priority of mine.”
“Airport safety should always be a top priority,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By improving the Greater Binghamton/Edwin A Link Field Airport’s runway, we help ensure better, safer service for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year.”
“Maintaining our paved surfaces is essential to keeping a safe and efficient operation at Greater Binghamton Airport,” said Carl Beardsley, Commissioner of Aviation. “BGM’s north ramp is particularly important because of its use as the primary deicing area for the airlines. For this reason, we are grateful for the federal funding to design improvements to the North ramp.”
This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program 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.