NORTH COUNTRY – Senators Charles Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Bill Owens announced today $868,060 in total funding for two North Country airports in Massena and Saranac Lake. The grants, awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration, will be used to improve infrastructure at the Adirondack Regional Airport in Harrietstown and the Massena International Airport.
“This Federal Aviation Administration grant will ensure that the Massena International – Richards Field Airport and Adirondack Regional Airport can better serve residents and visitors to North Country and help boost the area’s economy,” said Senator Schumer. “Construction of a new airfield infrastructure will improve safety and encourage more private flights in and out of the region.”
“This is an important investment for the North Country’s airports,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal funds will provide better, safer services for travelers and businesses, and help create better access to the beauty of the Adirondacks and the entire North Country to help give a boost to our economy.”
“This funding will continue to support aviation needs in the North Country through air infrastructure improvements,” Rep. Owens said. “Local airports are tremendous drivers of the economy, and by giving these facilities the resources they need to enhance their operations, we can help to bring more business to the area.”
The Adirondack Regional Airport will receive $627,140 to rehabilitate the facility’s apron, which has deteriorated from water intrusion and poor drainage. The project will rehabilitate the areas of deteriorated asphalt, including installation of a drain to address the lack of subsurface drainage.
Adirondack Regional will also receive a second grant in the amount of $167,770 to conduct an Airport Pavement Management System (APMS) Study, which will determine future maintenance and rehabilitation needs. The facility’s terminal lacks sufficient space to meet the TSA’s checkpoint guidelines for personnel and security equipment. Terminal expansion will add approximately 1,300 square feet of building space and reconfigure the interior layout to meet TSA guidelines.
Massena International Airport will receive $73,150 to design and plan for the construction of a taxiway, which will provide direct access to aircraft hangars.