Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 18, 2012

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND, OWENS ANNOUNCE OVER $6.5 MILLION FOR PLATTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT; FUNDING FOR MAJOR TERMINAL EXPANSION

Department of Transportation Award Will Support Runway Repair, Water Utility Improvements & Terminal Upgrade

Federal Support Will Help Keep Airport Running Efficiently; Create Infrastructure Jobs and Improve Access for Residents and Businesses

Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Bill Owens announced that Plattsburgh International Airport will receive three grants totaling $6,554,491 from the Federal Aviation Administration. A federal grant of $2,995,891 was awarded for the expansion of the terminal at Plattsburgh International to bring additional flights and business to the airport. An additional $151,200 will be used to rehabilitate existing runways, and a $3,407,400 grant will help the airport complete a water and waste infrastructure project to support the expansion of the terminal and future development.

“This Federal Aviation Administration grant is great news and will ensure that the Plattsburgh International Airport continues to efficiently serve residents, businesses and visitors to the Plattsburgh and Montreal region, all while boosting the area’s economy,” said Senator Schumer. “These new infrastructure projects will create jobs and increase flights that are essential for growth in the area.”

“This is a tremendous investment for Plattsburgh International Airport and the North Country,” Senator Gillibrand said. “Expanding and upgrading infrastructure of the airport can help keep more travelers and businesses on the move in Plattsburgh, improve safety, and help create better access to the North Country to strengthen the local economy.”

“This is a big win for Plattsburgh International Airport, for the businesses and families in the region and for efforts to spur local development,” said Owens. “With this investment, we can help increase the flow of goods and people through Clinton County, bolstering small business, tourism and other interests throughout the community. I offer my sincere congratulations to all involved for this significant award.”

"Not one but two pieces of excellent news for Plattsburgh International Airport," said Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "The one commitment will allow the full and final design work for the terminal expansion to move forward, and the other will allow further infrastructure improvements to proceed, creating water and wastewater systems that can support future development. Clinton County is to be congratulated for its step by step commitment to the future of this key regional asset, and we must thank Senator Schumer as well as Senator Gillibrand and Congressman Owens for their constant partnership. Onward and upward for Montreal's U.S. airport!"

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) through the Federal Aviation Administration provides grants to public agencies — and, in some cases, to private owners and entities -- for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). The NPIAS, which is prepared and published every 2 years, identifies public-use airports that are important to public transportation and contribute to the needs of civil aviation, national defense, and the Postal service.

The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) was established by the Airport and Airway Improvement Act of 1982. Since then, the AIP has been amended several times, most recently with the passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.

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