Schumer, Clinton Announce Over $11,500,000 For Long Island Airports

U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded over $11,500,000 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds for improvements at Republic, MacArthur, and Gabreski airports on Long Island.

"This is great news for Long Island," said Schumer. "Republic, MacArthur, and Gabreski welcome tourists and business people traveling to Long Island each year, and these improvements are important for local businesses and strengthening the local economy.  I will continue to fight for federal funds to help these airports remain a thriving center of activity and a hub for economic growth in the region."

"This is welcome news for the airports on Long Island because they are an important investment in our airport infrastructure and the local economy.   Air service to and from the region is critical to its continued growth. Anything we can do to support our airports promises to be positive for the local economy," said Senator Clinton.

The funds will be used for vital improvements and renovations at Long Island's airports. $7.6 million will go to building a new taxiway at Republic Airport, $3.8 million for installing runway lights to better direct air traffic at MacArthur, and $171,000 will be used to rehabilitate the runway at Gabreski to ensure airport safety.