Massena, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $818,900 for the Massena International-Richards Field Airport. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, the Massena International-Richards Field Airport will use the funding to reconstruct 2,600 feet of the existing Taxiway A pavement and update the existing edge lighting system.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to the North Country,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds will allow Massena International-Richards Field Airport to reconstruct part of its existing taxiway, upgrade its existing edge lighting system, and make crucial infrastructure upgrades that will modernize service for the passengers and pilots who fly in and out of the area every day.”
“Investing in our airport infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who utilize it every day,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These funds through the Department of Transportation are a major investment that will allow the Massena International-Richards Field Airport to renovate and upgrade their facilities. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety at airports across New York.”
“Airports are essential for keeping our rural communities connected to the outside world,” said Massena Town Supervisor Joseph D. Gray. “It is a big task for a local government to keep our facilities up-to-date and modernized, so assistance from the federal government and DOT allows us to keep the burden to local taxpayers as reasonable as possible. We greatly appreciate this funding and it is a huge help to the Massena and all those in St. Lawrence County who use our airport daily.
This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) 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.