$24M In Federal Funding To Fix Cracked Runways At Stewart Airport

NEWBURGH, NY — Stewart International will receive $24 million in federal funding to repair two runways and install new, environmentally-friendly LED lights into the pavement.

“Earlier this summer, I brought Department of Transportation leadership to Stewart to show them how federal infrastructure funding is opening the floodgates to private investments in the airport, and supercharging the entire region’s economy,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. "This historic funding is another gigantic step forward."

Ryan, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said the "whopping" amount was critical for preventing deterioration and maintaining safety.

“This $24+ million federal grant will literally pave the way for improved safety at Stewart International Airport, helping efforts to repair cracks in thousands of feet of runway pavement reach new heights," Schumer said.

He said aviation safety has been front of mind for millions of Americans, and ensuring that airports like Stewart have the resources they need is crucial to safe travel for residents and visitors and attracting business.

“Stewart International Airport serves tens of thousands of passengers every year, and it is vital that its runways remain strong and resilient in the winter months,” said Gillibrand. “This monumental $24 million in federal funding will bring critical repairs to the runway pavement at Stewart International Airport so passengers traveling in and out of the Hudson Valley can take off and land safely."

The Airport Improvement Program, through the Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration, provides grants to public agencies — and, in some cases, to private owners and entities — for the planning and development of public-use airports. Funds obligated for the AIP are drawn from the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, which is supported by user fees, fuel taxes, and other similar revenue sources.

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said the Port Authority looks forward to continuing to work with its federal partners to fully realize the potential of New York Stewart, making strategic investments that attract additional carriers and offering new destinations to travelers across the region.

The lawmakers also secured $12,499,175 over the next five years for Stewart International Airport through the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs law.