Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that $50 million in State funding is now available to support safety enhancements, modernize operations, promote environmental resilience, and enhance regional economic competitiveness of the State's public-use airports. The funding, available through the Aviation Capital Grant Program, is part of New York State's historic commitment to support airports across the state, which serve as gateways to their communities and are engines for economic growth and prosperity.
"Our airports are not just travelers' first impression of New York State, but should be a lasting impression too, and it is critical that we provide them with a world-class airport experience," Governor Hochul said. "By making investments that will ensure our airports are as efficient and welcoming as possible, we are bettering the state's transportation infrastructure while also promoting tourism and driving economic growth across New York State."
Administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, prior projects funded through the Aviation Capital Grant Program have included the construction of new security and access control improvements, deployment of new automated weather monitoring systems, and the construction and rehabilitation of new and existing hangars and aircraft refueling facilities. These investments will serve to make the surrounding communities more economically competitive with neighboring states. In 2021, the program awarded $20.7 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements at 24 public-use airports across New York.
Funding under this program is in addition to and complements funding made available through the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition, which earlier this year awarded $230 million to nine upstate airports for revitalization projects.
New York State Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "By investing in our airports, New York State under Governor Kathy Hochul's leadership is taking critically important steps that will further establish the Empire State as a leader in global commerce and tourism. Aviation grants to local and regional airports not only increase safety, reinvigorate communities and stimulate the creation of well-paying jobs; they will also assure that our local communities stay connected and continue to grow as their economies prosper."
The Aviation Capital Grant Program is open to public-use airports listed in the 2018 State Airport System Plan. Eligible project activities include safety projects, preservation projects, new construction, and other projects that enhance business development and economic competitiveness. Projects will be selected through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria including economic benefits for surrounding communities and businesses; adherence to regional economic development plans; safety improvements; improved operational efficiency; and energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Previous grant awards have funded new airport hangars, airport terminal building renovations, taxiway resurfacing, security fencing, and fuel farm modernizations that improve security and spill prevention.
State Senator Tim Kennedy said, "This funding will continue to open up new opportunities for airports across New York, allowing facilities to modernize day-to-day processes and ultimately improve traveler experiences. I encourage transportation leaders to immediately identify applicable projects that could enhance operations, and to actively pursue this critical funding."
Assemblymember William Magnarelli, Transportation Committee Chair said, "Modernizing our local airports allows our upstate cities to continue to be a driver in economic development by drawing tourists and out of town businesses. The Aviation Capital Grant will provide the funds needed for our airports to meet the ever improving infrastructure, technology, security and safety standards of today."
The New York State Department of Transportation will be accepting applications for this funding opportunity through January 2023. Program guidance and applications may be found here.