Schumer, Clinton Secure $1 Million For Westchester County Airport
Joint House-Senate Conference Committee Poised to Approve Funding as part of FY06 Transportation Appropriations Bill
Funding will allow airport to upgrade communications safety systems
Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Joint HouseSenate Appropriations Conference Committee is likely to approve $1 million to upgrade the instruments systems at Westchester County Airport. The funds would be included in the FY2006 Transportation, Treasury, the Judiciary, and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which is expected to be passed by the Joint HouseSenate Appropriations Conference Committee tonight and will then be voted upon by the House and Senate. Following passage in each chamber, the bill will be sent to the President for his signature.
This is great news for Westchester. These transportation funds keep New Yorkers moving quickly and safely, while creating jobs across the state," said Senator Schumer. "Westchester County Airport welcomes travelers to New York each year, and these improvements are important for strengthening the local economy. These funds will decrease flight delays, improve safety, accommodate growing customer base and help the airport remain a thriving center of activity and a hub for economic growth in the region."
With Westchester Airport serving more customers than ever, we need to ensure that we support its expansion with the most up to date technology to improve aviation safety, Senator Clinton said. Westchester County Airport is one of the central hubs for New York City, the Hudson Valley and it is important that we continue to make these kinds of investments in this critical transportation center. As people are taking to the skies now more than ever, we must make the necessary upgrades to keep our airports safe, secure and efficient."
The funding would allow FAA to upgrade or replace components of the two instrument systems at the airport. The Guidance systems give the aircraft direction and slope information upon landing. The Range systems gives position data for airplanes using the airport. The Westchester County Airport (HPN) serves approximately 180,000 flight operations per year. Twentyfive percent of those operations are by commercial air carriers and 45 percent (80,000) are by business type jet aircraft. Today many of those aircraft using the airport need to use the most modern navigational aids.