Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced that the United States Department of Transportation has awarded Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority $6,000,000 in a federal grant for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport. The grant will provide federal funding for the construction of Noise Mitigation Measures for Public Buildings. This grant will provide funds for increased noise control by retrofitting homes in local communities near the airport to reduce the sound coming from the airport and improve the quality of life in those communities.
“This funding is great news for Buffalo residents and positive step forward for the community’s quality of life,” Schumer said. “The construction will help support employment and pump funds into the local economy, which is just what we need right now.”
“This is a great investment for Western New York,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help improve infrastructure at the airport, support job creation and enhance safety for travelers. I will continue working with Senator Schumer to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”
A major way the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) helps communities support public transportation is by issuing grants to eligible recipients for planning, vehicle purchases, facility construction, operations, and other purposes. Each year Congress appropriates funds for each program and FTA awards grants to eligible recipients to meet the goals of that program.
Buffalo Niagara International Airport was first created in 1926 when a group of aviation enthusiasts convinced City of Buffalo officials that an airport was an indispensable element for any city intent on industrial and commercial growth. Since its opening, the BNIA terminal has expanded both the east and west concourse facility. These expansions have increased the total number of gates from 15 to 25.