The Schenectady County Airport will receive more than $2 million for runway and equipment upgrades.
U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced Tuesday the award of $2.3 million in federal funding to install new airfield guidance signs, rehabilitate the runway and replace runway lighting at the airport, which is owned and operated by Schenectady County. The funding was allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration, according to a news release issued by the senators, both New York Democrats.
“Schenectady County Airport is a major hub in the Capital Region, and it has to meet the best standards for efficiency and safety,” Gillibrand said in the release.
The smaller of the airport’s two runways will be completely repaved and new lights installed along the sides. That runway is primarily used for general aviation aircraft, said Ray Gillen, Schenectady County’s commissioner of economic development and planning. The military planes flown out of Stratton Air National Guard Base use the larger runway.
Schenectady County Legislature Chair Anthony Jasenski said the grant, combined with other investments around the airport, will help continue development momentum along Route 50.
The airport serves as a gateway to Glenville, and the county as a whole, said Chris Koetzle, Glenville’s town supervisor. He added that plenty of businesses use the airport to visit the area, and he called the funding “well-needed and well-deserved.”
The money was awarded through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program.
The county airport was founded in 1927. Along with the air base, which operates LC-130 cargo planes, the airport is home to an Armed Forces Reserve Center, the county ice rink and the Schenectady County Airport Business Park, among other organizations. The airport averages 183 daily flight operations, according to the county’s website.
In June, the airport received $197,000 from the state to upgrade its control tower cab equipment.
A ribboncutting is held to celebrate the opening of a new hangar at Richmor Aviation at Schenectady County Airport in Glenville last Sept. 16. The airport is receiving $2.3 million in FAA funding.
GAZETTE FILE PHOTO