New York First Congressional District Representative Nick LaLota (R-Suffolk County) announced Francis Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach and Elizabeth Field on Fishers Island would each receive federal funding as a part of the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Through the AIG program, Gabreski would receive $294,000, and Elizabeth Field would receive $113,000 in federal funding. Additionally, through the Airport Terminals Program (ATP), Gabreski will receive $4,900,000 to fund a portion of the construction of a new air traffic control tower to replace the existing 1940s tower, which has exceeded its useful life and does not meet current standards.
“The more federal funding coming to Long Island, the better. Long Islanders have notoriously paid more in taxes to Washington than we get back. It is important we see an appropriate return in the form of infrastructure improvements,” said LaLota. “As Congress continues to work to fund the federal government, rest assured I will continue to fight to ensure we receive our fair share. Putting Long Island First will always be my guiding light, and I will keep working to support our communities.”
“Investing in our aging infrastructure, like the air traffic control tower at Gabreski Airport, ensures the safety and efficiency of air travel while also contributing to the growth and prosperity of our communities,” said Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. “Thanks to Congressman LaLota’s dedication to advancing crucial projects in our region, we will now have the funds to upgrade this outdated tower, allowing it to line up with current safety standards.”
The AIG program funds airport infrastructure projects such as runways, taxiways, airport signage, airport lighting, and airport markings. Airports are entitled to a certain amount of AIP funding each year based on passenger volume. If their capital project needs exceed their available entitlement funds, then the FAA can supplement their entitlements with discretionary funding.
The Airport Terminals Program provides competitive grants for terminal development projects that address the aging air infrastructure at large-hub, medium-hub, and non-hub or non-primary airports. These grants will fund airport terminals, on-airport rail access projects, and airport-owned airport traffic control towers. Projects may also include multimodal development.
