TONKO, SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, ANNOUNCE NEARLY $900,000 TO FUND NEW PLANE DE-ICING EQUIPMENT AT ALBANY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Paul Tonko and U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Albany International Airport will receive $898,200 in funding from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to fund the final phase of installation for the new glycol treatment system. This phase includes decommissioning of a section of the previous system, an important investment in the airport's operational infrastructure and commitment to the longterm sustainability and safety of commercial jet operations at the Albany Airport.  Glycol is a chemical used in the process of deicing planes during winter months.  It is generally mixed with water and heated to remove snow and ice from planes prior to departure. 

"Following one of the harshest winters in recent memory, I am pleased to announce that Albany Airport will be receiving much needed federal funds to improve their plane deicing equipment with an eye towards safety, efficiency and environmental stewardship.  Maintaining regular, ontime jet service to cities throughout the Northeast and beyond - even during the worst of upstate New York's winters - is critical to our region's economic growth," said  Congressman Tonko

"It is never too early to start planning for winter, when our airports need the right snow removal equipment to keep their runways safe and clear for takeoff," said Schumer. "Removing snow from airport runways safely and efficiently so flights can continue to operate on time is important for travelers, for the Albany International Airport, and for our economy overall," said  Senator Schumer.

"Airport safety should always be a top priority," said  Senator Gillibrand. "These federal dollars will help support infrastructure upgrades to improve the Albany International Airport, ensuring better, safer service for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year."

"The Albany International Airport's glycol treatment facility has served as a model for airports around the world. This grant will ensure that Albany's treatment system continues to operate efficiently and maintains our safe and cost effective program to properly dispose of spent aircraft deicing fluid," said  Kenneth Doyle, Albany County Airport Authority Chairman.

The Albany International Airport is the primary air center for the Capital Region, Northeastern New York and Western New England. They service more than one million people per year.