SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $1.5 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR TWO ROCHESTER-FINGER LAKES AIRPORTS IN WAYNE & GENESEE COUNTIES
Federal Dept. of Transportation Grants Will Fund Infrastructure Upgrades At Airports in Wayne & Genesee Counties
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $1,554,613 in federal funding for critical infrastructure projects at two airports in the Rochester-Finger Lakes region. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Program. Specifically, the Williamson-Sodus Airport in Wayne County will receive $143,413 to reconstruct and repave its runway and parallel taxiway. The Genesee County Airport in Genesee County will receive $1,411,200 for the final phase of a three-phase project to demolish an old terminal and maintenance hangar. Additionally, these funds will support the removal of obstructions to its runway’s transitional surfaces, construction of a 4,000 sq. yard aircraft parking area and a 200-foot-extension for the airport’s taxiway.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to the Rochester-Finger Lakes region,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal funds will allow these airports to make crucial infrastructure upgrades that will enable safer, more efficient service for the passengers and pilots who fly in and out of the area every day.”
“Investing in our airport infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who utilize it every day,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These funds through the Department of Transportation are a major investment that will allow Williamson-Sodus and Genesee County Airports to carefully renovate and upgrade their facilities. I will continue to push for resources that enhance public safety at airports across New York.”
“Since its founding in 1957, the Williamson-Sodus Airport has become Wayne County's primary public use airport in large part due to the Federal Aviation Administration's confidence in our commitment to developing and maintaining a first-class facility,” said Capital Projects Chairman Gregory Arserio. “The grant announced will enable us to maintain the airport's critical infrastructure for several years to come, and increase safety for any aircraft that uses our airport. We appreciate the support and assistance that Senator Schumer and his staff have provided. That support enables us to reach our goal of increasing our value and contribution to the local economy.”
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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