Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 31, 2012

SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE $475K FEDERAL INVESTMENT FOR ITHACA TOMPKINS REGIONAL AIRPORT

Department of Transportation Award Funds Snow Removal Equipment

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $475,000 in federal funding awarded to the County of Tompkins from the U.S. Department of Transportation to replace the existing airport snow plow and enhance the airport's ability to maintain safety and efficiency during adverse weather conditions at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport.

“This funding will ensure that the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport will remain safely open during those unexpected winter storms,” said Senator Schumer. “I applaud the DOT for helping Ithaca Tompkins continue to serve residents and all visitors, no matter the season.”

“This is a smart investment for Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport,” Senator Gillibrand said. “When we upgrade snow removal equipment, we can clear runways faster, and keep travelers moving safely even in adverse weather.”

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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