Gillibrand, Schumer Announce $19.6 Million For Airport Infrastructure And Engineering Upgrades Across New York State

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, ranking member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies (THUD), and Democratic Leader Charles Schumer today announced $19,597,261 for airport infrastructure and engineering upgrades across New York State . The senators secured $8.7 million through the FY 2026 Airport Terminal Program (ATP), a grant initiative created through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that they fought to pass in 2021. ATP is administered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and funds airport development projects to modernize aging infrastructure, improve accessibility, and upgrade amenities across the U.S. They also secured $10.9 million for several New York airports through the FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which is administered by the FAA and provides grant funding for the planning and development of public-use airports. Eligible projects focus on critical infrastructure, including runways, taxiways, safety equipment, and environmental sustainability. “As New York continues to upgrade outdated transportation systems to make travel easier and safer, I’m proud to deliver this critical federal funding,” said Senator Gillibrand. “These investments will modernize and upgrade obsolete airport infrastructure in communities across the state. I’ll keep fighting to make sure our airports have the resources they need to serve New Yorkers safely.” “I’m proud to deliver nearly $20 million in federal funding for vital airport upgrades in every corner of New York,” said Senator Schumer. “I fought hard to secure funding for our airports in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Investment & Jobs law because the quality and safety of our airports are important for attracting business and tourism to New York, from big cities like Buffalo to rural communities. These federal dollars will help airports deliver a safe, efficient, and comfortable experience to travelers. I will always fight to ensure our airports have the federal resources they need to help our local economies reach new heights.” The full list of funded projects is below: FY/Grant Program Applicant Region Allocation Project Description FY 2026 Airport Terminal Program Buffalo Niagara International Airport Western New York $8,700,000 This award funds the replacement of up to 8 existing passenger boarding bridges, including new ground power units and preconditioned air units. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program County of Chautauqua Western New York $5,710,373 This project reconstructs existing Runway 13/31 signage and rehabilitates 4,075 feet of existing paved Runway 13/31 to maintain the structural integrity and minimize foreign object debris. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program Town of Wawarsing Hudson Valley $153,933 This project replaces the existing automated weather observing system that has reached the end of its useful life. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program Town of North Elba North Country $745,750 This project reconstructs existing Runway 14/32 signage and lighting. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program County of Oneida Mohawk Valley $617,500 This project replaces one existing Class V aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle and acquires new Aircraft Rescue & Fire Fighting equipment, including fire extinguishers, handheld tools, and three sets of personal protection equipment, to enhance safety. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program County of Chenango Southern Tier $1,009,851 This project reseals 4,727 feet of existing Runway 1/19 pavement and joints FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program County of Broome Southern Tier $437,081 This project reconstructs the existing Runway 16/34 engineered material arresting system safety area at the Runway 16 end. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program Town of Islip Long Island $354,335 This project rehabilitates 9,600 feet of the existing terminal access road and rehabilitates 4,300 feet of the existing snow removal equipment building and hangar access road. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program Town of Southold Long Island $1,576,050 This project rehabilitates 1,390 feet of existing paved Runway 7/25 to maintain the structural integrity of the pavement and minimize foreign object debris. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program Town of Southold Long Island $120,175 This project constructs Runway 7/25 safety areas at both Runway ends to enhance safety. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program County of Warren Capital Region $30,050 This grant funds reimbursement of a project completed in 2020 to acquire Aqueous Film Forming Foam input-based testing equipment. FY 2026 Airport Improvement Program County of Schenectady Capital Region $142,163 This project replaces the existing automated weather observing system. Total $19,597,261 ###