Cuomo announces $10 million in funding for regional airports

Airports in Cortland, Tompkins, Chemung, and Oneida counties are among 20 locations receiving funding that New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday.

A total of $10 million in funding from Cuomo’s aviation-capital grant program will support safety, infrastructure, and economic-development projects across the state, Cuomo’s office said in a news release.

The funding recipients include Chase Field in Cortland County, which will use $490,500 for the installation of a new Jet-A Fuel facility and upgrades to existing fuel systems.

The state also awarded Griffiss International Airport in Rome $525,000 to expand airport nose-docking space.

In addition, Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport in Tompkins County will use $619,935 for the construction of a flight-academy building.

A grant of $1 million will help Elmira Corning Regional Airport in Chemung County relocate an existing fuel farm.

New York State awarded a total of $10 million to 20 applicants through a “competitive”-solicitation process.

The allocations will upgrade existing airport infrastructure, construct additional hangar space, and help accommodate future passenger demands, the state contends.

Additionally, the funding awards will address airport needs beyond the resources available through the FAA and local funds.

The state awards are leveraging an additional $8.7 million in private and local funding, Cuomo’s office said.

Airport competition
This funding is in addition to a new $200 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition included in the 2016-17 budget agreement. The initiative will solicit proposals to “promote, revitalize and accelerate” investments in Upstate commercial-passenger and cargo-service airports.

New York State will award capital funding for “no less than” five projects with a maximum project award not to exceed $40 million, Cuomo’s office said.

Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com