U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $786,432 in federal funding for airports across the North Country. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Specifically, the Malone-Dufort Airport in Franklin County will receive $434,972 in funding to reconstruct 5,000 square yards of the airport’s aircraft parking apron pavement, which has reached the end of its useful life. The Potsdam Municipal/Damon Field Airport in St. Lawrence County will receive $212,570 to purchase vital equipment needed for snow removal during the winter months. The Watertown International Airport in Jefferson County will receive $91,390 to conduct a Pavement Management Program Study that will evaluate current pavement conditions and identify areas for maintenance. The Plattsburgh International Airport in Clinton County will receive $47,500 to design new perimeter fencing and make other security enhancements to its premises.
“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to the region,” said Senator Schumer. “This federal funding will allow four vital North Country airports to make critical infrastructure upgrades that will enable safer, more efficient service for the passengers and pilots who fly in and out of the region every day.”
“This funding will help advance safety operations at four airports in the North Country,” said Senator Gillibrand. “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 that New Yorkers can rely on.”
“Maintaining and inspecting airfield pavements is an everyday job. This grant will help with our pavement maintenance program and ensure the pavement remains in serviceable condition for years to come through targeted preventive maintenance,” said Grant Sussey, Manager at the Watertown International Airport.
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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