Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand announce federal financing for Orange County Airport

U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced that $5,023,500 from federal funds has been granted to Orange County Airport.

The funds, which were taken from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) branch of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), will be used to reform the airport.

“Keeping our airport runways in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to the region,” Schumer said. “With this funding, the Orange County Airport will be able to make the critical upgrades necessary to ensure its runway is cleared for take-off and safe for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of the Hudson Valley every day.”

Now Orange County Airport can make significant safety upgrades to its main runway. The runway will be moved eight degrees to the right as well as 1,000 feet north. This gives approximately 1,000 additional feet to either runway side for a safety area and airport blast pads. These changes will assist pilots when approaching the airport to land; now there will be a sum of 2,400 feet to the surrounding areas and runway for better safe landings.

“This funding will help support safety upgrades to Orange County Airport,” Gillibrand said. “Investing in our airport’s infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who rely on it every day. I will continue to push for funding to help ensure there is timely, safe air travel New Yorkers can rely on.”