State Grants Support Aviation Improvements Across New York State

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn today announced approval for more than $20.4 million in grants for aviation capital projects across New York State. This funding, primarily from the Renew and Rebuild New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, will support infrastructure, security, and economic-development projects at 48 public-use airports in the state.

“The Transportation Bond Act provided vital funding to support a modern, secure aviation system for passenger and cargo travel in New York State,” said Governor David Paterson.  “Today’s strategic investment in the state’s airports is important not only to keep the tourism industry strong and growing, but also to provide convenient transportation options that entice businesses to stay in or relocate to New York.”

On June 23^rd, the scheduled last day of the legislative session, the Capitol was rocked by the stunning announced resignation of Senator Joseph Bruno as Majority Leader. With work still left to be done to finish the session, the news created confusion in Albany as to who would be the new leader and what impact these events may have on the upcoming elections. Within twenty-four hours of Bruno stepping-down, Senator Dean Skelos (Nassau County, Long Island) was elected by the Republican Conference as the new Majority Leader and Senator Thomas Libous (Binghamton) as Skelos’ top deputy. Senator Libous has been and will continue to be the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, at least for now. Subsequently on July 15^th, Bruno announced his retirement prior to the end of his term leaving a slim 31-30 seat Republican margin in the Senate

Today, Governor David Patterson announced that the budget deficit for this year has grown to $6.4 billion. He called for an emergency session with legislators on August 19^th to address the financial issues the State is facing at this time.

On the aviation side, a few activities are worth noting:

Airports are economic engines fueling growth in the communities they serve. The economic benefits of New York State Airports are impressive. Over $35 billion in annual economic activity of New York State businesses and institutions is attributable to aviation and almost 350,000 state residents work directly or indirectly in aviation. As a result of this, more than $2.8 billion in State and local taxes are generated from aviation activities. On a typical day, about 230,000 people board and deplane commercial aircraft in this state and it is estimated that 40,000 visitors arrive at New York airports. However, the efficacy of this powerful economic engine and its benefits to New York’s citizens is threatened by a critical lack of infrastructure investment, competition from other states and a sagging state and national economy.