U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $539,821 in federal funding for two Capital Region airports. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, Fulton County Airport will receive $224,821 for an airfield pavement study that will look at ways to establish the current condition of the airfield pavements and develop a pavement management program. The study will serve as an update the airport’s existing master plan to show current and future needs of the airport. Additionally, the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Warren County will receive $315,000 for the final phase of a three part environmental assessment, which will evaluate any potential environmental impacts related to the proposed Runway 1/19 extension. These three studies, once implemented, will allow for runway improvements that will increase landing safety at Floyd Bennett.
“This funding is critical for helping our Capital 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 the Fulton County and Floyd Bennett Memorial Airports do necessary evaluations to assess what upgrades are critical to airport safety,” 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.”
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.