Announcement Includes Fed $$ From FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, Which Schumer Fought Hard To Boost In This Year’s FAA Re-Authorization Bill
Senators: Thanks To Fed $$ Much-Needed Upgrades Are Taking Off At Lake Placid Airport
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced $1,826,743 in federal funding for the Lake Placid International Airport. This critical federal funding will allow the airport to repair cracks in the runway pavement, which is important for preventing deterioration and maintaining safety year round.
“We need to ensure that Lake Placid Airport’s runways are as safe and strong as possible. I am proud to deliver this $1.8+ million in federal support so that the airport can make these critical infrastructure upgrades and maintain the highest safety standards,” said Senator Schumer. “Earlier this year, I fought hard to boost funding for the Airport Improvement Program because millions of Americans have been concerned about aviation safety. This significant federal investment will allow Lake Placid to make much-needed improvements and help our local economy take off as a continued preeminent international sports and tourism destination.”
“To boost aviation safety for North Country visitors and residents, we must ensure that the runway at Lake Placid Airport remains strong and safe during the winter months,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal grant of over $1.8 million will bring vital repairs to the runway at Lake Placid Airport and help provide a safer takeoff and landing for passengers. I’m proud to have worked to secure this funding and will continue fighting to bring vital modernization and improvement efforts to airports across New York State.”
The Airport Improvement Program (AIP), through the Department of Transportation’s 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. 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.
The senators have delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to airports across Upstate NY through this program, and Schumer fought to boost funding for the AIP in this year’s FAA reauthorization bill in order to revitalize airports and enhance airfield safety at airports. The AIP is one of the most widely used federal grants by Upstate NY airports in order to make critical modernization and safety upgrades.