Three western N.Y. airports receive millions in federal funding

U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand recently announced that three western New York airports, located in Niagara, Erie and Cattaraugus counties, have received more than $3.6 million in federal funds.

“These federal funds will allow three important western New York airports to provide a wide array of improvements to infrastructure, safety and efficiency in order to bring highest level of service to area residents and tourists,” Schumer said. “These airports play a vital role in our regional economic development, and with these funds, they will be able to make critical upgrades to runways, terminals and buildings that will enhance overall quality for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of western New York every day.”

The airports are Niagara Falls International Airport, Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport.

“This funding will help support safety and security upgrades at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Niagara Falls International Airport and Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport,” Gillibrand said. “Investing in our airports’ infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who rely on it every day.”

The funds were taken from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to finance rehabilitating runway pavement, installing guidance signs, purchasing more land for a new terminal building and improving overall airport safety.

“I want to thank Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand for [their] much appreciated assistance in obtaining these federal funds,” Kimberley Minkel, NFTA executive director, said. “These funds are critical to the continued safe and efficient operation of the Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports. The region’s aviation system is an economic engine. This funding will support the system’s ability to contribute to future economic growth.”