Hanna, Mica: Airport Key to Southern Tier's Economic Growth
September 10, 2012
Transportation Committee Chairman Says Hanna a Leader on Transportation Policy
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. – The Greater Binghamton Airport will be a central component to driving the future economic growth of New York's Southern Tier, U.S. Rep. Richard Hanna (NY-24) and House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Chairman John Mica said today.
Rep. Hanna and Chairman Mica hosted a news conference at the Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM) before boarding a United Airlines flight back to the nation's capital. The House, which has been in a District Work Period for the month of August, resumed the legislative session today.
Broome County was recently selected to receive a $1.02 million grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation to make upgrades at the airport. The competitive grant will rehabilitate the airport's north apron, which is the area where aircraft taxi, park, unload or load and fuel. The existing pavement has deteriorated and requires rehabilitation to maintain structural integrity of the pavement.
Joining Rep. Hanna and Chairman Mica at the airport were Broome County Legislature Chairman Jerry Marinich, Greater Binghamton Airport Commissioner of Aviation Carl R. Beardsley, Jr., members of the airport advisory board and airport employees.
"The Greater Binghamton Airport is on its way to becoming a hub for the future economic growth of the region," Rep. Hanna said. "Broome County is rightly focused on improving the airport from the tarmac to the terminals, increasing general aviations services, and attracting new commercial routes. The safety upgrades and modernization efforts currently underway make BGM all that more competitive and lay the groundwork for us to compete economically with the rest of the country and the world."
"Commercial and general aviation are a driver of economic growth and jobs throughout our nation," Chairman Mica said. "As a Broome County native, it is great to see the Greater Binghamton Airport growing with the help of new Federal Aviation Administration legislation. Richard Hanna's leadership made it possible to pass this FAA reform and reauthorization bill this year, after Democrats were unable to do so when they controlled both Houses of Congress and the White House. The Southern Tier is fortunate to have a leader like Richard Hanna – a pilot himself – so capably representing its transportation and infrastructure interests in Washington."
"Thank you to Congressman Hanna for helping us secure the $1 Million Federal Grant for improvements at the Greater Binghamton Airport," Legislature Chairman Marinich said. "Enhancing the Airport is key to retaining businesses in our community as well as attracting new employers to the area."
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