Federal Funding Secured to Initiate Anti-Obstruction Project at Gabreski Airport
Westhampton, NY - U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer (D, NY) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D, NY), Congressman Lee Zeldin (R, NY-1), and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone announced today that a $150,000 federal grant has been awarded to Francis Gabreski Airport in Westhampton, home of the 106th Rescue Wing of the Air National Guard. The grant, secured through the U.S. Department of Transportation, is being provided to Suffolk County to begin an anti-obstruction project at Gabreski, which is a four-phase effort to improve the safety of aircraft taking off and landing at the airport. This grant will be used to implement the first phase of an important project to remove obstructions that impact safety on runways 1/19, 6/24 and 15/33, and other approach and departure paths.
“Keeping our infrastructure in top-notch shape and maintaining safety on the runways at our airports is essential. This important federal investment will enable safer service for our service members at the 106th Rescue Wing of the Air National Guard and all pilots who fly in and out of Gabreski Airport,” said Senator Schumer.
“Investing in our airport infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses, travelers, and service members from the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard who utilize it every day,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These funds will provide additional resources for the Francis Gabreski Airport to invest in runway safety operations. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety at airports across New York.”
Congressman Zeldin said, “The 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard plays a crucial role to protect our national security and New York's emergency response capabilities, which is why keeping Gabreski’s runways in great condition must be a top priority. This federal funding will allow the airport to begin an important project to improve the safety of aircraft utilizing the runway.”
“This infrastructure improvement will enhance safety conditions for our armed forces and other emergency personnel who operate at Gabreski National Airport,” said Suffolk County Executive Bellone. “Suffolk County is proud to be a partner in the operation of Gabreski Airport, and I applaud Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, as well as Congressman Zeldin for fighting to secure this federal funding."
After the completion of phase one, an environmental assessment will be done in phase two, which will be followed by the design stage in phase three. The final phase will be a construction project to remove obstructions.
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