Schumer, Gillibrand Deliver Nearly $13 Million In Economic Relief To Local New York Airports For Operational And Cleaning Costs

U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $12,901,648 in federal funding for seven airports across New York. Secured in the CARES Act championed by the senators, this funding was allocated through the Department of Transportation (DOT) and will serve as a lifeline to local airports struggling to stay afloat after more than a year of limited operations. This funding will help alleviate the cost required to meet increased safety standards and properly sanitize airports, including resources for janitorial services, supplies, and debt service payments. Additionally, this CARES Act funding will provide assistance for rent and minimum annual guarantees to on-airport car rental, parking, and in-terminal concessions. Airports and tourism play an important role in New York’s regional and rural economies and have faced ongoing uncertainty as travel decreased due to the pandemic. 

“Air travel is vital to the connectivity and success of the Upstate economy, which is why I have fought tooth and nail over the last year to get airports the funding they need to keep services running as air travel picks up again,” said Senator Schumer. “Airports serve important functions in many communities, connecting people to the rest of the world and allowing for economic opportunities to land. I will continue to fight for federal funding to keep our airports open and operational and to make sure Upstate New York has the help it needs to revive and thrive.” 

“As New Yorkers return to air travel, we must ensure our airports are equipped to protect the health of both travelers and transportation workers,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Personnel and sanitation costs will be a critical part of keeping airports afloat and aiding our economic recovery. This federal funding will provide New York State’s local airports with the resources needed to increase safety standards and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.”

Funding Recipients Listed Below: