WASHINGTON – U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao today announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $477 million in airport infrastructure grants, the third allotment of the total $3.18 billion in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for airports across the United States.

“This significant investment in airport improvements in New York will fund construction and rehabilitation projects that will help maintain high levels of safety in U.S. aviation,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

The following airports will receive grants:

Genesee County in Batavia, $124,767 -grant funds will be used to reconstruct a runway apron.

Courtland County Chase Field in Courtland, $248,450 - grant funds will be used to reconstruct runway lighting and airfield guidance signs.

Long Island MacArthur in Islip, $477,765 - grant funds will be used to conduct a study.

Plattsburgh International in Plattsburgh, $228,780 - grant funds will be used to rehabilitate a taxiway.

Griffiss International in Rome, $232,200 - grant funds will be used to reconstruct a runway and runway lighting.

Westchester County in White Plains, $14,874,994 - grant funds will be used to install navigational aids, a vertical/visual guidance system, and rehabilitate runway and taxiway lighting.

There will be a total of 276 grants to 264 airports in 44 states, the Pacific Islands, and the District of Columbia. Selected projects include runway reconstruction and rehabilitation, construction of firefighting facilities, and the maintenance of taxiways, aprons, and terminals. The construction and equipment supported by this funding increases the airports’ safety, emergency response capabilities, and capacity, and could support further economic growth and development within each airport’s region.

Airport infrastructure in the United States, with 3,332 airports and 5,000 paved runways, supports our economic competitiveness and improves quality of life. According to the FAA’s most recent economic analysis, U.S. civil aviation accounts for $1.6 trillion in total economic activity and supports nearly 11 million jobs. Under Secretary Chao’s leadership, the Department is delivering AIP investments for the American people, who depend on reliable infrastructure. 

Airports can receive a certain amount of AIP entitlement funding each year based on activity levels and project needs. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.