Washington, DC – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-NY), U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), and Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-NY-17) today announced $4,708,891 in federal funding for the Westchester County Airport. The funding was awarded 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 repave Westchester County Airport’s runway, which was last repaved in 1998. These critical updates will help rehabilitate the runway back to its original state by constructing two blast pad pavements along with replacement of centerline and TZD lighting and associated runway markings, the rehabilitation of taxiway connector pavement including edge lighting and taxiway markings, and the replacement of guidance systems and wind cones.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to safe travel for area residents and in attracting business and tourism to Westchester and the entire Hudson Valley,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds will allow the Westchester County Airport to make critical improvements and upgrades to its runway, boosting the safety and operations for those that fly in and out of the airport.”
“I am excited to announce this federal investment that will update the runway at Westchester County Airport and enhance the safety and travel experience for travelers flying in and out of Westchester County,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investments in airport infrastructure are critical to local development around our state. I will continue to fight so that our airports can get the resources they need to be safe, modern, and efficient.”
“These federal Department of Transportation funds to partially repave the runway at Westchester County Airport will help relieve a fiscal burden on the county and help protect this vital infrastructure. I will continue working to protect and improve critical transportation infrastructure across our country and in the Lower Hudson Valley to ensure safety and grow our economy,” said Chairwoman Lowey.
“This is welcome news on multiple fronts. This funding will result in needed infrastructure repairs and improvements that will continue to make the Westchester County Airport a vital transportation hub for our County and our region. Further, this repaving project will bring about union construction jobs to the workers of Westchester. It is truly a win-win. I thank Senate Leader Schumer, Senator Gillibrand and Chairwoman Lowey for their exceptional efforts on our behalf,” said County Executive George Latimer.
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.