Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce More Than $7.5 Million In Department Of Transportation Funding For Vital Runway Improvements At Griffiss International Airport In Oneida County

Jun 5, 2018

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $7,575,000.00 in federal funding for Griffiss International Airport in Oneida County. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, Griffiss International Airport will use the funding to make key infrastructure improvements including the reconstruction of a runway.

“Keeping Griffiss International Airport in top-notch shape is crucial for passenger safety and to attracting business and tourism to Oneida County and the Mohawk Valley,” said Senator Schumer. “With this funding, Griffiss International Airport will be able to make critical infrastructure upgrades, including the reconstruction of a runway, which will improve the comfort, safety, and operations for those that fly in and out of Oneida County.”

“Investing in local airport infrastructure is critical to New York’s economic development,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This federal investment will allow Giffiss International Airport to upgrade its facilities for people coming to and from Oneida County. I will continue to push for resources that airports across New York need to be safe, modern, and efficient.”

“Receiving this federal grant will enable Griffiss International Airport to make improvements to its runway, including its surface and lighting, which will continue to make it an elite facility. I would also like to commend our Aviation Commissioner Chad Lawrence for aggressively pursuing every grant opportunity that will benefit our airport,” said Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr.

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.