U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Anthony Brindisi today announced $8,181,000 in federal funding for Griffiss International Airport in Oneida County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP). Specifically, the funding will be used to reconstruct Griffiss International Airport’s runway and runway lighting.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to safe travel for area residents and in attracting business and tourism to Oneida County and the entire Mohawk Valley,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds will allow Griffiss International Airport to make improvements to its runway, including the construction of new lighting, boosting the safety and operations for those that fly in and out of the airport.”
“This federal funding is great news for Griffiss International Airport, which will finally be able to reconstruct its runway and runway lighting to improve safety for travelers flying in and out of Oneida County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investing in airport infrastructure helps promote local economic development in our communities, and I will do everything I can to ensure that our airports receive the resources they need to be safe, modern, and efficient.”
“This $8.1 million is a win for NY-22’s air travel infrastructure and economy,” said Rep. Brindisi. “Griffiss International Airport will be receiving much needed resources to fix up their runways and invest in other critical upgrades. This federal support helps grow our economy and make air travel safer. I will continue to fight to improve our infrastructure.”
“Receiving this federal grant will enable Griffiss International Airport to complete Phase II of its runway rehabilitation project which includes improvements to its surface and lighting. This project will continue to make Oneida County’s airport an elite facility. I want to thank our federal representatives for helping secure this funding and for always being a champion of Griffiss and our region,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.
This funding is awarded through the AIP and is administered by the FAA. The AIP 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.