Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Paul Tonko today announced that Albany International Airport will receive $826,200 in funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for airport upgrades. The federal funding will be used to replace several terminal building doorways which will include placing faster, more energy efficient doors at baggage gates. This will enhance the building’s structural integrity and improve the airport’s energy-efficiency.
“They say you only get one chance to make a first impression, so keeping the doorways to the Albany International Airport in top-notch shape is critically important to encouraging business and tourism to the Capital Region,” said Schumer. “When you use the airport, you are impressed by how well it is maintained. These federal dollars will allow the airport to keep the doorways running smoothly. Enhancing the airport’s structural integrity and energy efficiency is beneficial for both residents and visitors in the region.”
“Investing in key infrastructure helps create lasting sustainability in our communities,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Albany International Airport’s new terminal doorways will save energy by helping retain heat during the winter and cool air during the summer months. These federal dollars for the airport will help ensure better service for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year.”
“Support for Albany International means support for our local small businesses and communities. To achieve the economic growth we are all working toward in our region, we must ensure our local airports have the tools they need to provide safe and convenient travel to business and leisure travelers. I applaud John O’Donnell and his team at Albany International for the important work they do each and every day,” said Congressman Tonko.
“This grant will be used to replace aging high-speed doors which provide airline vehicle access to bag makeup rooms and for improved passenger access to the Airport’s terminal,” said Rev. Kenneth Doyle, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority. “The improved efficiency of the new doors will result in a reduction in heat loss during winter months and lower maintenance costs of outdated equipment.”
The Albany International Airport is the primary air center for the Capital Region, Northeastern New York and Western New England. They service more than one million people per year. The federal funding will be used to replace 33 doors throughout the airport’s terminal building. This will include replacing baggage gate doors with faster more energy efficient doors to help retain heat and cool air during winter and summer months. These enhancements will help ensure better, safer airport operations.
This funding for Albany International Airport is part of the Airport Improvement Program 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.