SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $2.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR WESTERN NEW YORK AIRPORTS
Funding Will Be Used To Install NAVAIDS, Reconstruct Airfield Guidance Signs, Reconstruct Runway Lighting, Rehabilitate Runways, Acquire Snow Removal Equipment, And Reconstruct 1,112 Sq Yds Of Apron Pavement
Buffalo Niagara International, Chautauqua County/Dunkirk Airport, Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport To Receive Federal Funding
Schumer, Gillibrand: FAA Funding Helps Western New York Pick Up Where It Lifted Off
U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded $2,661,984 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to Buffalo Niagara International, Chautauqua County/Dunkirk Airport, and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport. The senators said that the funding will be used for a variety of airport safety and quality improvement projects, including installing NAVAIDS, reconstructing airfield guidance signs, reconstructing runway lighting, rehabilitating runways, acquiring snow removal equipment, and reconstructing 1,112 square yards of apron pavement.
“Air travel in and out of Western New York is vital to the connectivity and success of the regional economy, which is why, as the regions reopen after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we provide the funding necessary to keep the airports safe and efficient,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to deliver this funding and will continue to fight to make sure Western New York has the help it needs to revive and thrive.”
“As communities in New York prepare to reopen, this critical funding will help local airports in the Western New York region provide high-quality and safe travel experiences,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding is key to ensuring the continued economic stability and success of this region. I will continue fighting for the resources our airports across New York need to safely reopen, rebuild, and transition into a post-coronavirus era.”
“We are grateful for the leadership of Senators Schumer and Gillibrand and their strong support of the Buffalo airport,” said Kimberley Minkel, NFTA Executive Director. “That support has allowed us to provide the continued safe service our customers expect as well as one of the highest customer satisfaction ratings for airports our size in North America according to the J.D. Power Airport Satisfaction Study. Western New Yorker’s are better served, and according to J.D. Power, happier about their airport than others thanks to the senators’ support.”
Specifically, Buffalo Niagara International will receive $2,061,984, Chautauqua County/Dunkirk Airport will receive $100,000, and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport will receive $500,000. A portion of the funding to each airport comes from FAA CARES Act grants, which Schumer had a direct hand in negotiating.
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