Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that Watertown International Airport is set to receive $193,800, Ogdensburg International Airport is set to receive $166,250 and Massena International-Richards Field is set to receive $72,200 in U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) funds for airport facility upgrades. Specifically, the grant will allow Watertown International Airport to plan the design of the runway, which will ensure safe airfield operations at the airport. Ogdensburg International Airport will rehabilitate its runway to maintain structural integrity of the pavement and to minimize foreign object debris. The Massena International- Richards Field plans to purchase an emergency generator to provide power to both the airfield and electronic security doors located within the terminal, which will ensure both aircraft safety and overall airport security in the event of a power loss to the airport. Massena International will also make improvements to the access road adjacent to the recently constructed terminal building to better serve traffic and passengers at the terminal building. Schumer and Gillibrand applaud DOT for their work to increase safety at all airports.
“This is great news for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of our North Country airports every day,” said Schumer. “With this funding, these airports can make renovations that will ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of each facility. I will continue to fight for funds like these that promote safety at all New York airports.”
“These are important investments for the North Country’s airports,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help support infrastructure upgrades to improve our airports and provide better, safer service for New Yorkers.”
The funding for Watertown International Airport is part of the Airport Improvement Program, administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration. 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).