Two regional airports are set to receive federal funding for safety and infrastructure upgrades as part of more than $63 million in grants announced for Upstate New York airports.
U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand said the funding comes through the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program and Airport Infrastructure Grant Program.
Finger Lakes Regional Airport will receive $65,866 through the Airport Improvement Program for design work to replace its Automated Weather Observing System III, which has reached the end of its useful life.
Ithaca Tompkins International Airport will receive $2,590,556 through the Airport Infrastructure Grant Program to construct a new 23,443-square-foot snow removal equipment building. The grant funds the final phase of the project, including construction, electrical and plumbing work.
The awards were included in a broader package of $63,692,917 for airports across Upstate New York. The senators said the funding will support projects that enhance airfield safety, modernize terminals, upgrade taxiways and improve airport signage.
The Rochester-Finger Lakes region received $6,945,962 in the announcement, including funding for projects at Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, Genesee County Airport, Le Roy Airport, Finger Lakes Regional Airport and Perry-Warsaw Airport.
The Southern Tier received $6,270,493, including the Ithaca Tompkins project and grants for Elmira/Corning Regional Airport, Greater Binghamton Airport and Corning-Painted Post Airport.
Schumer said keeping airports in strong condition is important for business and tourism across Upstate New York. Gillibrand said the grants will help improve airport and runway infrastructure while enhancing safety and travel efficiency.
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