Governor Cuomo Announces $1.5 Million in State Funding for Airport Modernization, Operational Improvements and Safety Enhancement Projects in Central New York

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $1.5 million in infrastructure funding has been awarded to support safety enhancements, modernization of facilities, operational improvements and local business development at four airports in Central New York. The funding is part of a $23.6 million investment in 31 airports statewide. These projects are funded through the Governor's State Aviation Capital Grant Program initiative and complement the Governor's Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which provided $200 million to modernize airports across Upstate.

"New York's airports represent the front door to our local communities and are critical to facilitating tourism and business development," Governor Cuomo said. "A world class airport is crucial to regional economic growth, and by investing in the modernization of our local airports we are creating vibrant communities where people want to live, work and play."

"We're investing in airports across the state to modernize facilities and enhance the overall travel experience," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. "This infrastructure funding will continue to make operational and safety improvements, and encourage local business development. These projects are upgrading airports, increasing tourism, and growing the economy of the entire State of New York."

Projects being awarded include the construction of new passenger amenities such as new wayfinding technologies, construction of new airplane hangars and fuel facilities, enhancements to safety and security, and expansion of vehicular parking facilities. These activities will help make the communities surrounding these airports more economically competitive with facilities in neighboring states.

Infrastructure investments help make New York State attractive to new businesses and facilitate development and job growth. Through this initiative, upstate airports in New York will continue to improve their facilities to better serve the public, while retaining and creating well-paying aeronautical jobs. The State Department of Transportation will immediately begin working with airport project sponsors to expedite the delivery of these improvements.

Today's investment in Central New York includes:

• $136,000 to upgrade an Automated Weather Observation Station (AWOS) and install a new security system at the Chase Field Airport in Cortland County
• $865,000 to construct a new aircraft hangar at the Oswego County Airport
• $338,000 to construct a new airfield equipment storage facility at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport
• $211,000 for runway safety improvements at the Skaneateles Aerodrome Airport in Onondaga County.

New York State Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said, "Governor Cuomo recognizes that New York's economy relies on a resilient and efficient network of airports. While many small airport facilities have been ignored across the nation, the Governor continues to invest in upstate airports to ensure the communities they serve remain connected to global markets."

New York Aviation Management Association President Christina R. Callahan said, "The New York Aviation Management Association and its members support Governor Cuomo's efforts to ensure that the State pursues policies that are pro-growth and pro job creation. Sustained and enhanced investments in our local airports is one of these winning strategies."

The new funding complements major renovations that have been completed at Greater Rochester International Airport, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Elmira Corning Regional Airport and Plattsburg International Airport. Funding has also been awarded for transformational improvement projects at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport and Albany International Airport.