SCHUMER, GILLIBRAND ANNOUNCE OVER $7.1 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR WATERTOWN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Funding Will Be Used To Install NAVAIDS, Reconstruct Airfield Guidance Signs, Reconstruct Runway Lighting, And Rehabilitate Runways
Watertown International Serves 1000 Islands, Fort Drum, And City Of Watertown
Schumer, Gillibrand: FAA Funding Helps Watertown Pick Up Where It Lifted Off
After announcing over $1 million in CARES Act funding last month, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten E. Gillibrand today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded an additional $7,166,481 in Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) funds to the Watertown International Airport. The senators said that the funding will be used to install miscellaneous NAVAIDS, reconstruct airfield guidance signs, reconstruct runway lighting, and rehabilitate runways.
“Watertown International is vital to the connectivity and success of the regional economy, which is why as North Country reopens after the COVID-19 pandemic, it is critical that we provide the funding necessary to keep the airport safe and efficient,” said Senator Schumer. “I’m proud to deliver this imperative funding and will continue to fight to make sure North Country has the help it needs to rebuild.”
“As the North Country prepares to reopen, this critical funding will help the Watertown International Airport provide high-quality and safe travel for people living in and traveling to Watertown,” said Senator Gillibrand. “I will continue fighting for the resources our airports across New York need to safely reopen and rebuild an important part of our regional economy.”
"This funding is important to us to keep our infrastructure maintained well into the future. Our runway 7/25 is in need of rehabilitation before it deteriorates further due to the normal north country climate. We appreciate Senator Schumer's support of this important project," said Grant W. Sussey, Airport Manager Watertown International Airport.
Watertown International hosts twice daily flights to Philadelphia through American Airlines and serves to make Fort Drum and more accessible for the 10th Mountain Division. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the number of weekly flights out of Watertown international went from 13 to 6 at the beginning of May.
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