Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced two U.S. Department of Transportation grants, totaling $412,300, for airports in Chautauqua County.

“In addition to making air travel safer, investments like these in our transportation infrastructure support tourism and business that drive Chautauqua County’s local economy,” said Congressman Higgins. 

"Operating regionally significant airports continues to be a challenging endeavor, and this type of support from the U.S. Department of Transportation is essential," Edwards said. "I would like to express my thanks to Congressman Higgins for his continued work on behalf of our County evidenced by the funding that he has secured in these two grants that we will invest in both the Chautauqua County and Dunkirk airports." 

The first grant, awarded to the Jamestown Airport in the amount of $296,400, will provide federal funding to acquire new snow removal equipment for the airport. This includes replacing the current snow plow truck in order to maintain airport safety during adverse weather conditions, as recommended by the airport’s 2009 Part 139 Certification Inspection Report.

Dunkirk Aviation President Lou Nalbone said, “This is certainly great news for both Chautauqua county airports. The funding for the new snowplow at Jamestown is so welcome as the plow they are replacing is a 1993, that is quite tired. The county airport workers do a great job keeping the airports open all year in some really tough conditions. This new plow will really help them to condition the runway, and probably do it in less time.”

The Dunkirk Airport will receive $115,900 toward phase II improvements to the site. The funding will allow for land purchase necessary for the Runway 24 end protection zone. The land expansion will lead to enhanced overall airport security and facilitate runway construction and taxiway extension to Runway 24 to accommodate the business jet aircraft that are based at and fly regularly into the airport. 

“At Dunkirk, we are already seeing an increase in business traffic as a result of the runway and lighting improvements completed in the 2009 project,” added Nalbone. “The funding of the land acquisition will help facilitate our ultimate goal of having a 6000 foot, all weather runway for the ever increasing turbo-jet operations at Dunkirk Airport.”

Both airports also received federal funds in 2009.  The Jamestown Airport was awarded $500,000 for phase II construction, providing security enhancements.  The Dunkirk Airport was provided $3.5 million through the Recovery Act and an additional $1 million requested by Congressman Higgins in the Transportation bill for airport improvements.  

Pictured
-First Photo: Congressman Higgins and Dunkirk Aviation President Lou Nalbone at the Jamestown Airport
-Second Photo: Congressman Higgins with Dunkirk Aviation President Lou Nalbone and Jamestown Aviation General Manager Len Nalbone