SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND DELIVER NEARLY $3.7 MILLION IN ECONOMIC RELIEF FOR AIRPORTS IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

DOT Funding Will Provide Lifeline For Cash-Strapped Airports Drained By The COVID-19 Pandemic

Resources Will Help Make Critical Upgrades To Airport Infrastructure, Aprons, And Runways

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $3,647,300 in federal funding for five airports across New York State. This funding was allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Department of Transportation (DOT) and will serve as a lifeline to local airports struggling to stay afloat after nearly a year of limited operations. Airports and tourism play an important role in New York’s regional and rural economies and have faced ongoing uncertainty as travel decreased due to the pandemic. This funding will help offset the costs of critical rehabilitation projects and enhance safety standards for airports that have lost substantial revenue and require urgent financial support. 

“Air travel is vital to the connectivity and success of the Upstate economy, which is why I have fought tooth and nail over the last year to get airports the funding they need to keep services running,” said Senator Schumer. “Airports serve important functions in many communities, connecting people to the rest of the world and allowing for economic opportunities to land. I will continue to fight for federal funding to keep our airports open and operational and to make sure Upstate New York has the help it needs to revive and thrive.”

“As New Yorkers continue battling the COVID-19 crisis, we cannot leave airports behind,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Airports, travel, and tourism will be a critical part of our economic recovery. This federal funding will provide New York State’s local airports with the resources needed to increase safety standards and improve lighting, taxiways, and aprons so we’re fully prepared when travel takes off.” 

Funding Recipients Listed Below:

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