SYRACUSE — The federal government will fund $1.56 million in safety improvements at Syracuse Hancock International Airport, U.S. Rep. Daniel Maffei (D–DeWitt) and Syracuse mayor Stephanie Miner (D) announced today.
The grant will help the airport pay for the purchase of a sand spreader, a snow plow, aircraft rescue and fire fighting suits, and improvements to the airport’s runway.
The Airport Improvement Program, a federal-grant program that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) administers, is providing the funding for the grant.
The program assists airports with investments in operations, environmental protection, and infrastructure that will provide long-term economic benefits, according to a joint news release from the lawmakers.
Both Miner and Maffei describe Syracuse Hancock Airport as “vital” to the Central New York economy.
“Bringing in over 60 flights a day and nearly two million travelers each year, keeping the airport upgraded, safe, and efficient is a top priority,” Miner said in the release.
The grant will help ensure the airport has the equipment necessary to keep travelers safe and make sure air service remains reliable throughout the winter, Maffei added.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com