Airport to receive $1 million in federal funding

Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, June 22, 2006

The U.S. House of Representatives approved $1 million in federal funding for construction projects at the Niagara Falls International Airport.

The funding, which is part of a transportation spending bill for 2007 fiscal year, will help build a new circulatory road system and a new apron needed to create both commuter and aircraft access to the terminal.

“The Niagara Falls International Airport is a vital initiative to this region with big implications for Western New York’s economy and future,” said U.S. Rep. Thomas Reynolds, R-26th District, who requested the funding. “This federal investment will help ensure that this project in Niagara will be a success, resulting in a first-class airport that acts as a catalyst to economic renewal.”

The first project that the federal funding supports is the construction of a circulatory road system, which will provide inbound and outbound land access to the airport. The proposed two-lane road to be built between Niagara Falls Boulevard and the new terminal will also include storm drainage, concrete islands and sidewalks, as well as an ice melt system to be installed around the main entrances.

“Today’s announcement by Congressman Reynolds that he has been successful in securing $1 million for infrastructure improvement projects planned for the Niagara Falls International Airport is very much appreciated and great news,” said Gregory Stamm, chairman of the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, which owns the Niagara Falls airport. “This funding is important to the NFTA’s plan to build a new state-of-the-art terminal that will boost for economic growth and development in the region.”

The other project is the construction of a new apron to give aircraft access to the airport. The apron design, which calls for two aircraft parking positions upon 19,000 square yards of pavement, will also include storm sewers, deicing fluid control, fire protection, airfield lighting, security fencing and signage.

The $1 million in federal funding for these projects adds to the $3.1 million approved for the 2006 fiscal year.

“This federal funding further underlines the importance of the Niagara Falls airport,” Reynolds said. “Improving our region’s economy takes a committed and sustained effort. The Niagara Falls airport is a vital part of this effort, and I am pleased to support it.”

The Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development bill must now be approved by the U.S. Senate before it becomes law.