Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $100,000 For Potsdam Municipal Damon Field Airport

Sep 15, 2014

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $110, 558 in federal funding for the Potsdam Municipal Damon Field Airport. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will be used fund the design phase of a project that will rehabilitate 3,700 feet of existing runway pavement and upgrade the runway lighting system, to enhance airfield operations.

“Keeping the Potsdam Municipal Airport in top-notch shape is critical to attracting business and tourism to the region,” said Senator Schumer. “These federal dollars will go a long way toward helping St. Lawrence County make much-needed upgrades to the airport’s runway, including the installation of a new lighting system. These repairs will help light the way toward ensuring the airport continues to be a regional leader of commerce and economic development for years to come.”

“Investing in local infrastructure is one of the best ways to stimulate our local economy,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal funding will allow the Potsdam Municipal Damon Field Airport to design a project that will allow them to make the improvements they need to help ensure safety and smoother operations for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year.”

“This is great news for Potsdam,” said Steven Yurgartis, Mayor of the Village of Potsdam.  “The grant will enable us to design the next phase of our airport expansion. We know we already have a demand for the improvements because our expanding local businesses tell us they need it.  The improvements will allow larger planes to operate out of the airport, and do so more safely in more difficult weather. Bottom line, this is good economic development for the North Country.  We very much appreciate the continued support of Senator Gillibrand.  Her help is making a real difference in Potsdam.”

This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.