LI airports get $5.3M in funding from federal grants

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Two airports on Long Island are receiving a total of more than $5.3 million in federal grants.

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 Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) program, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, according to U.S. Rep Nick Lalota. And there is additional funding through the Airport Terminals Program (ATP).

Through the AIG program, Gabreski is receiving $294,000 and Elizabeth Field is receiving $113,000 in federal funding. Through the ATP, Gabreski will receive $4.9 million to fund a portion of the construction of a new air traffic control tower to replace the existing 1940s tower, which LaLota’s office said has exceeded its useful life and does not meet current standards.

“The more federal funding coming to Long Island, the better,” LaLota, who had advocated for the funding to advance the projects, said in a written statement.

“Long Islanders have notoriously paid more in taxes to Washington than we get back,” he added. “It is important we see an appropriate return in the form of infrastructure improvements.”

“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,” Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said in a written statement.

With the grants, he said, “we will now have the funds to upgrade this outdated tower allowing it to line up with current safety standards.”