Governor Hochul Announces $25 Million Awarded for Airport Modernization and Safety Enhancements

Strategic Insights -

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a $25 million award for airport modernization and safety enhancements across New York State. This funding, available through the AIR NY Aviation Capital Grant Program, will support improvements at 16 airports in every region of the state, including hangar replacements, security upgrades, and the purchase of new snow removal equipment. The funding is part of Governor Hochul's historic commitment to support the state's aviation facilities, which serve as gateways to their communities and promote economic growth and prosperity.

Key Takeaways:

  • $25 million in State funding has been awarded to enhance safety, modernize operations, promote environmental resilience, and enhance regional economic competitiveness at public-use airports across New York.
  • The funding will support improvements at 16 airports in every region of the state, including hangar replacements, security upgrades, and the purchase of new snow removal equipment.
  • The AIR NY Aviation Capital Grant Program is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and supports projects that enhance public and employee safety, improve transportation system sustainability and resilience, advance performance and innovation, and support the economic well-being of New York State.
  • Previous projects funded under this program have included the construction of new security and access control facilities, deployment of new automated weather monitoring systems, and the construction and rehabilitation of new and existing hangars and aircraft refueling facilities.
  • In 2023, the program awarded approximately $49 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements at 36 public-use airports across New York.
  • Major recipients of this year's funding include: Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Griffiss International Airport, Finger Lakes Regional Airport, and Plattsburgh International Airport.
  • Eligible project activities include safety projects, preservation projects, new construction, and other projects that enhance business development and economic competitiveness.
  • Projects are selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria including economic benefits for surrounding communities and businesses; adherence to airport development plans; safety improvements; improved operational efficiency; and energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

Statistics:

  • $25 million in State funding has been awarded to enhance airport safety, modernize operations, and promote environmental resilience in New York State.
  • 16 airports in every region of the state will receive funding to support improvements, including hangar replacements, security upgrades, and the purchase of new snow removal equipment.
  • Previous projects funded under the AIR NY Aviation Capital Grant Program have included the construction of new security and access control facilities, deployment of new automated weather monitoring systems, and the construction and rehabilitation of new and existing hangars and aircraft refueling facilities.
  • In 2023, the program awarded approximately $49 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements at 36 public-use airports across New York.
  • Major recipients of this year's funding include:

+ Syracuse Hancock International Airport - $2.5 million for a new snow control center

+ Buffalo Niagara International Airport - $2.5 million for the development of a state-of-the art system to capture and treat deicing fluid

+ Griffiss International Airport - $2.3 million for a new sand/salt storage building

+ Finger Lakes Regional Airport - $1.6 million for the construction of a new airport maintenance equipment building

+ Plattsburgh International Airport - $752,960 for upgrades to the airport's access gates and other security improvements

Sources:

  • "Governor Hochul Announces $25 Million Awarded for Airport Modernization and Safety Enhancements" (Government of New York State, July 29)