Featured News - Current News - Archived News - News Categories
Grants to support snow removal equipment, runway visibility review
Democrat Congressman Brian Higgins announced the Buffalo Niagara International Airport will receive a total of $1,472,496 in federal funding provided in three grants awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation.
The largest grant, totaling $1,171,488, will support the purchase of two pieces of snow removal equipment for the Buffalo Airport. A $217,875 federal grant will fund runway deicing equipment. A third award, for $83,133, will support a study of runway obstructions.
“The Buffalo Airport continues to be a national leader in satisfaction and affordability, providing a welcoming experience for visitors to the region,” Higgins said. “Buffalo might be known for its snow, but we are also known for our swift response to and recovery following winter weather. These federal grants support continued airport investments to facilitate safe and efficient travel.”
Kimberley Minkel, NFTA executive director, said, “We are so appreciative to Congressman Higgins and his continued support. Congressman Higgins, and the WNY delegation’s continued fight for funding, has helped the Buffalo Airport stand out nationally and provide us with the resources that lead to J.D. Power recently ranking the Buffalo Niagara International Airport No. 1 in customer satisfaction for medium-sized airports in North America. We are thankful and fortunate to have him on our side.”
The grants are provided through the Federal Aviation Administration’s airport improvement program, which supports runway improvements and maintenance. The Buffalo Airport is one of 381 airports nationwide awarded $3.18 billion through this round of funding for airport infrastructure.
Higgins recently joined the NFTA in marking the start of construction on a $68.5 million Buffalo Airport Terminal Expansion project, scheduled for completion in 2021. More than 5 million passengers utilized the Buffalo Airport in 2018.