U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $527,136 in federal funding for Watertown International Airport in Jefferson County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This federal funding will allow the airport to purchase vital equipment needed for snow removal during the winter months. With these funds, the Watertown International Airport be able to replace its high-speed broom with a blower, which will allow it to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods and aid in the efficiency and safety of operations.
“Making sure our airports are clear for takeoff all-year-round in the North Country is essential for the safety of air travelers and the smooth functioning the local economy,” said Senator Schumer. “This much-needed funding will allow the Watertown International Airport to purchase equipment to clear runways and keep pilots and travelers safe during the winter months. Ensuring our Upstate airports, which are economic engines, have top-notch resources will always be a priority of mine.”
“This funding through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration would help support critical infrastructure upgrades to the Watertown International Airport,” said Senator Gillibrand. “The Watertown International Airport is a vital economic anchor in the region, and investing in our airport’s infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who rely on it every day. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety.”
This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) 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.
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