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New York state is putting $23.6 million in infrastructure funding to support safety enhancements, modernization of facilities, operational improvements and local business development at 31 airports statewide.
These projects are funded through the state Aviation Capital Grant Program initiative and complement the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which provided $200 million to modernize airports across Upstate.
“New York’s airports represent the front door to our local communities and are critical to facilitating tourism and business development,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “A world-class airport is crucial to regional economic growth, and by investing in the modernization of our local airports we are creating vibrant communities where people want to live, work and play.”
Projects being awarded include the construction of new passenger amenities such as new wayfinding technologies, construction of new airplane hangars and fuel facilities, enhancements to safety and security, and expansion of vehicular parking facilities, officials said.
These activities will help make the communities surrounding these airports more economically competitive with facilities in neighboring states.
In the Capital Region, $719,000 was awarded to construct a new snow removal equipment storage facility at the Saratoga County Airport; $1.4 million was awarded to construct a photovoltaic solar array at the Albany International Airport; and $1 million goes to construct a new aircraft hangar at the Schenectady County Airport.
Infrastructure investments help make New York state attractive to new businesses and facilitate development and job growth, officials said.
Through this initiative, upstate airports in New York will continue to improve their facilities to better serve the public, while retaining and creating well-paying aeronautical jobs.
The State Department of Transportation will immediately begin working with airport project sponsors to expedite the delivery of these improvements.
“We’re investing in airports across the state to modernize facilities and enhance the overall travel experience,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “This infrastructure funding will continue to make operational and safety improvements, and encourage local business development. These projects are upgrading airports, increasing tourism, and growing the economy of the entire state of New York.”
The state Department of Transportation Acting Commissioner Paul A. Karas said, “New York’s economy relies on a resilient and efficient network of airports.
While many small airport facilities have been ignored across the nation, the governor continues to invest in upstate airports to ensure the communities they serve remain connected to global markets.”
The new funding complements the Governor’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition that provided $200 million to modernize airports using cost-effective strategies that enhance safety, improve operations and access, reduce environmental impact and create a better passenger experience, according to the state.