Schumer, Gillibrand announce funding for airports

CAPITAL REGION, N.Y. » U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer and U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand revealed the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $8,912,732 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to Albany International Airport, Plattsburgh International Airport, Columbia County Airport, Lake Placid Airport, Ticonderoga Municipal Airport, and Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.

The senators said that the funding will be used for a variety of airport safety and quality improvement projects, including rehabilitating runways, reconstructing apron, rehabilitating terminals, acquiring snow removal equipment, acquiring aircraft rescue and fire-fighting safety equipment, and conducting or updating studies.

“Air travel in and out of the Capital Region and North Country is vital to the connectivity and success of the regional economy, which is why, as the regions reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we provide the funding necessary to keep the airports safe and efficient,” Schumer remarked.

“I’m proud to deliver this funding and will continue to fight to make sure the Capital Region and North Country have the help they need to revive and thrive,” Schumer noted.

“As communities in New York prepare to reopen, this critical funding will help local airports in the North Country and Capital Region provide high-quality and safe travel experiences,” Gillibrand stated.

“This funding is key to ensuring economic stability and the success of these regions. I will continue fighting for the resources our airports across New York need to safely reopen, rebuild, and transition into a post-coronavirus era,” Gillibrand added.

Specifically, Albany International Airport will receive $4,150,000, Plattsburgh International Airport $1,100,000, Columbia County Airport $71,283, Lake Placid Airport

$555,555, Ticonderoga Municipal Airport $172,117, and Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport $2,863,777.

A portion of the funding to each airport comes from FAA CARES Act grants, which Schumer had a direct hand in negotiating.

AP FILE PHOTO Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., left, is joined by Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., during a breakfast reception at the New York State Democratic Committee State Convention, Wednesday, May 26, 2010, in Rye Brook, N.Y.