SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $2.8 MILLION FOR SOUTHERN TIER AIRPORTS

Washington, DC –U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,880,000 for two Southern Tier airports from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Elmira Corning Regional Airport will use the $720,000 in federal funding to purchase a critical aircraft rescue and firefighting truck. The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport will use their total of $2,160,000 in federal funding to expand the terminal apron and purchase snow removal equipment. Of these federal funds, $1,683,000 will be used to expand the apron to provide more parking for the aircraft.  Additionally, with this funding, the Ithaca Tompkins Airport will be able to increase the size of the deicing area so that they can treat multiple aircraft at one time.  This will eliminate a queue, leading to more efficient travel times. An additional $477,000 will be used for snow removal equipment. The current equipment is 18 years old and reaching the end of its lifespan, and a new machine will be much more reliable under all conditions.

"This is great news for the passengers and pilots who fly in and out of our Southern Tier airports every day,” said Senator Schumer. “With this funding, the Elmira Corning and Ithaca Tompkins Airports will be able to make the improvements they need to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of their facilities. I will continue to fight for funds like these, which promote safety and growth for the Southern Tier’s key aviation assets, so that these two airports can continue to be hubs for the regional economy that will support and grow jobs.”

“Investing in New York’s vital transportation infrastructure allows us to keep pace with the growing economy and tourism industry,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Airports in the Southern Tier are regional assets and this funding will help make necessary improvements for safer and more efficient use.”

The Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport is located in Tompkins County and services 50,000 aircraft operations per year, with scheduled air service from major airlines servicing nearly 250,000 passengers per year. The Elmira Corning Regional Airport is located in Chemung County.  

"I'd like to thank the Senator for all of the work he does on behalf of Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport," said Bob Nicholas, Ithaca Tompkins Airport Manager, "Both of the grants will make travel significantly more efficient, especially during the winter."

“Elmira Corning Regional Airport has accommodated dramatic passenger growth over the last five years,” said Ann B. Crook, AAE, Director of Aviation, Elmira Corning Regional Airport. “We now offer direct flights to Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia, Orlando, and St. Petersburg with a nearly-all-jet fleet.  Senators Schumer and Gillibrand’s efforts to help us keep pace with the demands of the region, including this important safety apparatus, has been essential.”

This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program 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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