Schumer, Gillibrand deliver over $2 million in economic relief for Watertown and Ogdensburg airports

Funding Will Provide Lifeline for Cash-Strapped Airports Drained by the COVID-19 Pandemic

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $2,454,304 in federal funding for twelve airports across New York State. This funding was allocated through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under the Department of Transportation (DOT) and will serve as a lifeline to local airports struggling to stay afloat after nearly a year of limited operations. Airports and tourism play an important role in New York’s regional and rural economies and have faced ongoing uncertainty as travel decreased due to the pandemic. This funding will help offset operating expenses for airports that have lost substantial revenue and require urgent financial support.

“Air travel is vital to the connectivity and success of the Upstate economy, which is why, as New York continues down the road to recovery, I fought tooth and nail in negotiations to get airports the funding they need to keep services running,” said Senator Schumer. “Airports serve important functions in many communities, especially in more rural areas, connecting people to the rest of the world and allowing for economic opportunities to land. I will continue to fight for federal funding to keep our airports open and operational and to make sure Upstate New York has the help it needs to revive and thrive.”

“As New Yorkers continue battling the COVID-19 crisis, we cannot leave airports behind,” said Senator Gillibrand. “Airports, travel, and tourism will be a critical part of our economic recovery and these federal dollars will help airports across Upstate New York continue providing high-quality and safe transit when travel takes off.”

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