Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $2,918,052.00 in federal funding, including $71,695 in entitlement funding and $2,846,357.00 in discretionary funding, for the Orange County Airport. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and will be used to reconstruct the airport’s 3/21 runway. The funding will be used to begin the first phase of a large scale construction project, intended to increase both safety and efficiency. This project will include the realigning and constructing of a new runway and taxiway. It will also include the installation of additional runway lighting, signage, pavement markings, drainage and wetlands mitigation for future use.
“These federal funds will give the Orange County Airport the money it needs to redesign the airport runway, which is the first major step in its plans to make critical improvements,” said Senator Schumer. “We should always strive to achieve the highest standards of aviation safety, and this funding will support that goal. Making sure our runways are clear for takeoff will always be a top priority of mine.”
“Investing in key infrastructure helps create lasting sustainability in our communities,” Senator Gillibrand said. “The Orange County Airport will use this important investment to begin the rehabilitation of one of the airport’s most critical structures, its runway. Once implemented, this project would help ensure safer airport operations for the passengers.”
“This project will increase the safety of pilots, commercial aircraft, and the local community while continuing to make Orange County more economically competitive,” said Steve Neuhaus, Orange County Executive. “A local employer will also perform the work, providing local jobs. I am grateful to our federal partners for helping to secure the grant, and I commend our Airport Director Ed Magryta for his tireless work on behalf of our residents as the runway project moves ahead this fall.”
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.