SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION IN FED FUNDING FOR TWO CAPITAL REGION AIRPORTS IN ALBANY AND SARATOGA COUNTIES
Federal Funding Will Allow Capital Region Airports to Purchase Nearby Land & New Terminal Roof To Improve Runway and Passenger Safety
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,540,335 in federal funding for two Capital Region airports. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, Albany International Airport will receive $1,153,216 for the first phase of a two part project that will replace approximately 126,700 square feet of the airport terminal roof that has reached the end of its useful life. Additionally, the Saratoga County Airport will receive two federal grants, totaling $387,119, to acquire approximately 1.24 acres of nearby land to control tree growth on both ends of the Runway 5 approach. Controlling this growth around the runway will enhance protection and safety on the runway.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape and our runways clear for take-off is critical for the pilots and passengers that fly in and out of our Capital Region airports each day,” said Senator Schumer. “With this funding, these airports will be able to make the vital upgrades to runways and airport terminals that are needed to increase overall safety and ensure they continue as regional leaders of economic development for years to come.”
“This funding will help support safety upgrades to Albany International and Saratoga County Airports,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investing in our airport’s infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who rely on it every day. I will continue to push for funding to help ensure there is timely, safe air travel New Yorkers can rely on.”
“We’re always pleased to receive money to improve airport safety,” said Thomas Speziale, Jr. Deputy Commissioner of Public Works.“This will allow us to increase safety with regards to tree over growth and obstruction.”
This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Airport Improvement Program 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.
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