Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has awarded a $1,651,230 federal grant to the Westchester County Airport for important infrastructure improvement. Specifically, this investment from the FAA via the Airport Improvement Program will allow the Westchester County Airport to rehabilitate their existing apron pavement that has reached the end of its useful life, which will ensure the safety of aircraft utilizing this area. This funding will also provide for the installation of a blast fence to mitigate property damage due to jet blast.
“This Federal Aviation Administration grant will ensure that the Westchester County Airport can continue to serve residents and visitors and help boost the area’s economy,” said Schumer. “These infrastructure projects improve safety on the runway and will protect nearby residents.”
“This is an important investment for Westchester County Airport,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Improving the airport’s runway will provide better, safer service for travelers and businesses, and help improve access to Westchester County to keep our economy on the move.”
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 Postal service.
The Airport Improvement Program (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.