The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded funding to airports in Massena and Potsdam for facility upgrades. The DOT awarded Massena International-Richards Field more than $925,000 and Potsdam Municipal-Damon Field $252,000 in funding. U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) made the announcement on May 21 in a news release posted on […]
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded funding to airports in Massena and Potsdam for facility upgrades.
The DOT awarded Massena International-Richards Field more than $925,000 and Potsdam Municipal-Damon Field $252,000 in funding.
U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D–N.Y.) made the announcement on May 21 in a news release posted on Schumer’s website.
Both Massena and Potsdam are located in St. Lawrence County.
Massena International-Richards Field will use the funding to construct a taxi lane to ensure access to the T-hanger and adjacent taxi lanes, creating “more efficient airport operations,” according to the news release.
The facility will also use the funding to remove obstructions and create “clearer more navigable” airspace. It’ll also design an access road for “safer” travel to and from the airport, the lawmakers said.
The top official in the town of Massena is “grateful” for the funding.
“Operating an airport is an expensive proposition for a small rural town, so this federal money ensures that we can keep our facility in top notch condition. Massena Airport is an essential business tool for our community and the entire region that uses it every day,” Joseph Gray, supervisor in the town of Massena, said in the news release.
Potsdam Municipal-Damon Field will use the funding to replace “faulty” fences to stop unauthorized entry and wildlife hazards, ensuring both aircraft safety and overall airport security, according to the news release.
The Potsdam facility will also used the funding to improve the taxi-way pavement for safer airfield operations, the lawmakers said.
“We should always strive to achieve the highest standards of aviation safety, and this funding will support that goal by repairing and upgrading the infrastructure at Massena International-Richards Field and Potsdam Municipal-Damon Field,” Schumer said in the news release.
