Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $696,273 for two North Country airports from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Schroon Lake Airport will receive $657,000 in federal funding that will be used to fund asphalt overlay and striping of the runway, to maintain its structure and minimize the risk of foreign debris. The Massena International-Richards Field Airport will receive $39,273 in federal funding that they will use to make security enhancements.
“With this funding, the Schroon Lake and Massena International-Richards Field Airports will be able to make the structural and security upgrades these airports need to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of their facilities,” said Senator Schumer. “I will continue to fight for funds like these, which promote safety and growth for the North Country’s key aviation assets, so that these two airports can continue to be hubs for the regional economy that will support and grow jobs.”
“Airport safety should always be a top priority,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These federal dollars will help support infrastructure upgrades to improve these North Country airports, ensuring better, safer service for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year.”
“This federal grant is a great assistance to the Town of Massena,” said Massena Supervisor Joseph Gray. “As the regional airport for St. Lawrence County, we need to keep our airport safe, secure and up to date. These upgrades will make our airport even safer for people who must access our nation’s air travel network for their business and personal recreation and family needs.”
The funding for Schroon Lake Airport and Massena International-Richards Field Airport is a part of 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.