Press Release

Schumer, Gillibrand Announce Over $1.4 Million for Greater Rochester International Airport; Funding to Improve Runway Safety Area

Jul 17, 2013

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced Greater Rochester International Airport will receive a $1,450,461 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. Rochester Airport will use the funding to replace sections of runway and extend the safety area, increasing overall airport safety.

“This Department of Transportation grant will ensure that the Rochester airport can continue to safely serve residents, businesses and visitors to region for years to come,” said Senator Schumer. “Maintaining safety on the runway and around the airport is essential for the success of the airport and the growth of the greater Rochester region.” 

“This is an important investment for the Rochester International Airport and the surrounding region,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Improving the airport’s runway can help provide better, safer service for travelers and businesses, and help strengthen the local economy.”

“These important funds support improvements to our airport’s EMAS system and passenger safety,” said County Executive Maggie Brooks. “Senator Schumer and Senator Gillibrand are important partners for Monroe County and we thank them for their continued support of the Greater Rochester International Airport.”

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) through the Federal Aviation Administration provides grants to public agencies — and, in some cases, to private owners and entities – for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The NPIAS, which is prepared and published every 2 years, identifies public-use airports that are important to public transportation and contribute to the needs of civil aviation, national defense, and the U.S. Postal Service.

The AIP was established by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Since then, the AIP has been amended several times, most recently with the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. 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.