Airports across the region secure state funding for major upgrades

Several Southern Tier airports are set to receive significant state funding earmarked for infrastructure enhancements.

Elmira Corning Regional Airport will receive $800,000 to facilitate the acquisition of electrified equipment and charging facilities. Similarly, Corning-Painted Post Airport will be allocated $300,000 for purchasing an excavator for grounds maintenance, while Ithaca Tompkins International Airport will benefit from a $1.4 million grant aimed at establishing an emergency operations center.

These upgrades are part of a larger statewide initiative, the Aviation Capital Grant Program, which will distribute nearly $50 million to 36 airports throughout New York.

The program’s objective is to bolster safety, sustainability, business growth, and overall competitiveness of the regions surrounding these transit hubs.

The initiative seeks to make New York’s local communities more economically competitive when compared to neighboring states.

Governor Hochul underscored the significance of this investment, stating, “Airports are gateways to communities large and small across New York State.” She emphasized the role of the Aviation Capital Grant Program in propelling these facilities into the 21st century. All selected airports, accessible to the public, had to apply to receive these funds, which will be overseen by the New York State Department of Transportation.