SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $3.6 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR THREE WESTERN NEW YORK AIRPORTS IN ERIE, NIAGARA AND CATTARAUGUS COUNTIES
Federal Funding Will Be Used to Purchase New Land, Improve Runways & Terminals, And Enhance Safety at Three Major WNY Airports
U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,602,598 in federal funding for infrastructure projects at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Niagara Falls International Airport and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport, all located in Western New York. This funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will receive $835,308 to finance the rehabilitation of 4,990 feet of the runway pavement and the installation of guidance signs on the airport’s runway. The Niagara Falls International Airport will receive a total of $2,091,390 in funding to purchase 68 acres of new land that will enable it to construct a new terminal building at the airport. The Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport will receive $675,900 in federal funding for the removal of 55 acres obstructions to the runways to enhance the overall safety of the airport.
“These federal funds will allow three important Western New York airports to provide a wide array of improvements to infrastructure, safety and efficiency in order to bring highest level of service to area residents and tourists,” said Senator Schumer. “These airports play a vital role in our regional economic development, and with these funds, they will be able to make critical upgrades to runways, terminals and buildings that will enhance overall quality for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of Western New York every day.”
“This funding will help support safety and security upgrades at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Niagara Falls International Airport and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investing in our airports’ infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who rely on it every day.”
“I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for his much appreciated assistance in obtaining these federal funds,” said Kimberley Minkel, NFTA Executive Director in response to the grant award. “These funds are critical to the continued safe and efficient operation of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports. The region’s aviation system is an economic engine. This funding will support the system’s ability to contribute to future economic growth.”
This funding for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Niagara Falls International Airport and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport is part of 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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