SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE NEARLY $1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDS FOR LONG ISLAND MACARTHUR AIRPORT IN ISLIP; FAA GRANT WILL REHABILITATE THE AIRPORT’S LONGEST RUNWAY
Islip’s Long Island MacArthur Airport Serves 2 Million Passengers Each Year, Provides Thousands of Jobs & Generates Hundreds of Millions in Economic Impact
Schumer, Gillibrand Announce $900K in FAA Funds Will Go Towards the Design of a Rehabilitated Runway 6/24 at LI MacArthur Airport
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that The Town of Islip is receiving a $900,000 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to rehabilitate Long Island MacArthur Airport’s longest runway.
“Keeping our airports running smoothly and safely each and every day is essential to the health of the region’s economy and the safety of air travelers,” said Senator Schumer. “In order for Long Island’s economy to thrive and to provide affordable traveling options for local residents, we must continue to attract business and tourism to the area and now, this grant will fund runway rehabilitation at Long Island MacArthur Airport so that all who fly in and out each day will have a pleasant and safe experience.”
“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 are a major investment that will help strengthen the local economy and allow the Long Island MacArthur Airport to finally complete renovations to their longest runway. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety at airports across New York.”
“We are grateful that Senators Schumer and Gillibrand recognize the role that MacArthur Airport plays in our region’s economy. This funding will ensure that our airport has the resources needed to reach its full potential, as we continuously expand the services available to business and leisure travelers,” said Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
“Long Island MacArthur Airport and the Town of Islip would like to thank U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for continuing to support and advocate for the airport. The airport creates 6000 temporary and full-time jobs, for more than an $600M economic impact to the local economy. This grant will provide for the engineering and design services to fully rehabilitate Runway 6/24. At 7,006 ft., Runway 6/24 is the longest and most critical runway at ISP today, and is used predominately by air carriers as well as corporate aviation. Keeping the airport’s infrastructure well maintained protects the safety of the traveling public,” said Shelley LaRose-Arken, Commissioner, Long Island MacArthur Airport.
The Town of Islip owns and operates Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma. The airport currently hosts three airlines: US Airways, Elite Airlines and Southwest Airlines, serving approximately 2 million commercial passengers each year.
This project will fund the rehabilitation of 7,006 feet of the existing Runway 6/24 to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement. This grant will provide funding for the design phase of the project. This is phase 1 of a 3 phase project.
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