U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand
today announced that a $2,517,500 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grant
will be allocated to Griffiss International Airport. The grant will be used to
rehabilitate the runway pavement at Griffiss International Airport. The airport
is used for over 850 commercial flights and 150 military flights each
year.
“This federal funding will ensure the continuing safety and
structural integrity of Griffiss International Airport’s runways,” Schumer
said. “With this grant, the airport can make improvements and repairs to
runway pavement that will serve the residents of Oneida County and our military
personnel by improving their aviation safety. I promise to keep fighting
to secure funds that will keep our airports safe and secure in the future.”
“This is a great investment for Griffis International
Airport,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help improve
infrastructure at the airport, support job creation and enhance safety for
travelers. I will continue working with Senator Schumer and the entire
Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the
federal government.”
Oneida County Executive
Anthony J. Picente, Jr., said: “Because of our partnership with our
representatives in Washington and their understanding of the potential of Griffiss
International Airport, we are able to move forward with our efforts to
redevelop this historic airstrip as the catalyst for regional economic growth.
I want to thank Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand for their efforts to
support this project in partnership with Congressman Arcuri and Oneida County
Government. Renovating and upgrading the runway is a vital task that can be
undertaken because we have been able to receive this federal funding. This
investment of federal dollars, coupled with existing investments, is
contributing to the transformation of Griffiss and the long-range economic
revival of our region.”
According to the DOT grant, these funds will go toward
rehabilitation of the runways at Griffiss International Airport, as the
existing pavement is in very poor condition and requires rehabilitation to
enhance safe airfield operations at the airport.