SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $300,000 IN FED FUNDING FOR COLUMBIA COUNTY AIRPORT
Federal Transportation Funding Will Allow Airport to Upgrade Airport Security
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $308,610 in federal funding for the Columbia County Airport. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This grant will fund the installation of a new 20,000 feet of perimeter fencing in two phases. The new fence will replace a 25 year-old perimeter chain-link fencing and gate system with structural defects to improve security and deter unauthorized persons, vehicles and wildlife from entering the airfield.
“These federal funds will provide the Columbia County Airport with a much-needed safety upgrade. Improving the airport’s infrastructure and increasing its airfield security will better protect the pilots and passengers who fly in and out every day,” said Senator Schumer. “We must always ensure that safety is the number one priority at our airports.”
“This funding will help upgrade security features at Columbia County Airport,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This airport is a vital economic anchor in the region that businesses and travelers rely on every day. I will continue to push for funding to help ensure the safety of passengers and crew members.”
“The funding from the FAA Airport Improvement Program that are allocated to General Aviation Airports like our Columbia County are extremely vital to maintaining a safe operational environment for all the various types of aircraft that utilize our facility,” said Dean Knox, Director of Engineering. “Sound Federal and State airport infrastructure investments like these help maintain a secure facility, prevent inadvertent entry by wildlife and any other unauthorized parties and simply enhance the overall safety and operation of the facility for the aviation community.”
There are two phases of construction at Columbia County Airport; phase one will replace approximately 4,500 linear feet of existing fence along with three new access gates and phase two, will replace the remainder of the existing perimeter fence and gates.
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.
###
