Binghamton Airport lands grant for improvements

MAINE — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awarded a $1.023 million Airport Improvement Program grant to the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) for improvements to the airport’s north apron.

The north apron is a pavement area that provides access to the airport’s de-ice collection area, a private hangar site, the aviation fuel farm, and the airport’s maintenance facility.

Work done with the grant funding will include replacing aging pavement, drainage improvements, and new energy-efficient lighting. Boland’s Excavating & Topsoil of Conklin is the project contractor and McFarland Johnson Inc. of Binghamton will oversee the construction phase. McFarland also completed the design work for the project. Officials expect the project to create 30 jobs.

“For a number of reasons, it is great news that BGM has been awarded this grant,” Commissioner of Aviation Carl Beardsley, Jr. said in a release. “First, it will help us to upgrade aging infrastructure needed to ensure aircraft move safely at the Binghamton Airport. In addition, local business and citizens will benefit from these federal dollars coming into the community.”

Work on the project will begin in September and run in conjunction with another project to replace existing T-hangars with new structures. Both projects should wrap up by December.

“The Greater Binghamton Airport is continuously upgrading the airfield infrastructure and looking to enhance visitor experience as we work to provide the best services possible to our region,” Broome County Executive Debbie Preston said. “This grant means major improvements to our airport and good-paying jobs in our community. We will continue to fight for federal funding as BGM reaches new heights.”

Contact DeLore at tdelore@tgbbj.com