NEW YORK – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand today announced that Long Island MacArthur Airport is receiving a $5,880,437 U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) grant to construct an Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting Building.
“Keeping our airports running smoothly and safely each and every day is essential to the health of the region’s economy,” said Senator Schumer. “These funds will give Long Island MacArthur Airport the resources it needs to keep passengers, pilots and crew safe in the event of an emergency.”
“This funding will enable the Long Island MacArthur Airport to build a new Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Building to maintain safety operations on site,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Investing in our airport’s infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who utilize it every day. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety that New Yorkers can rely on.”
“This crucial funding will ensure that the two million travelers who use Long Island MacArthur Airport every year will have a safe and convenient experience. I want to thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for their support of our airport and their commitment to the airport’s future,” said Town of Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter.
The Town of Islip owns and operates Long Island MacArthur Airport in Ronkonkoma. The airport currently hosts three airlines: US Airways, Elite Airlines and Southwest Airlines, serving approximately 2 million commercial passengers each year.
According to the FAA, operators of Part 139 airports must provide aircraft rescue and firefighting services during air carrier operations.
The FAA grant will provide federal funds for Long Island MacArthur Airport to construct a 21,119 square foot Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting building, which will assist the airport in meeting safety requirements and extend the life of firefighting equipment by protecting it from adverse weather conditions. These funds will go towards phase 3 of a 4-phase project, which includes funding for general construction.
Photo by Mr.TinDC via Flickr.
Press Release by The Office of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.
Press Release Made Available by The Office of U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer.
Disclaimer: News articles on this site may contain opinions of the author, and if opinion, may not necessarily reflect the views of the site itself or the views of the owners of NewsLI.com, Long Island Media Inc., or Long Island Exchange®. For more information on our editorial policies please view our terms of service.
