Two Western New York airports will receive nearly $900,000 from the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport located in Chautauqua County will receive $745,750 to complete the final phase of full-depth reconstruction of approximately 7,200 square yards of the parking lot for the terminal building to maintain the structural integrity of the existing pavement. The Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport located in Cattaraugus County will receive $150,300 to replace all-wheel front loader with an attachment plow to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods and aid in the efficiency and safety of operations.

“Keeping our airports in top-notch shape is crucial to attracting business and tourism to Western New York,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. “This federal funding will allow two critical airports in Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties to make the critical infrastructure upgrades needed that will enable safer, more efficient service for the passengers and pilots who fly in and out of the region every day.”

“Investing in our airport infrastructure enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who utilize it every day,” added U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. “These funds through the Department of Transportation are a major investment that will allow the Chautauqua County/Jamestown and the Cattaraugus County-Olean Airports to upgrade their facilities and prepare for the winter season. I will continue to push for resources that enhance efficiency and public safety at airports across New York.”

“The City of Olean is very pleased to receive this grant through the efforts of Senator Gillibrand and Senator Schumer,” said Olean Mayor William J. Aiello.  “The Cattaraugus County Olean Airport, is the largest  airport in Cattaraugus County and serves Southwestern New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania.  As it is the highest airport in the state, located at an elevation of 2,139 feet, the grant funded snow fighting equipment will enable the staff at the Airport to better maintain the runways during the winter.”

This funding is awarded through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The Airport Improvement Program provides grants to public agencies for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems (NPIAS). Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.