Letter to Acting Administrator Huerta

Letter

Today, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer announced the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has heeded his call andwill release much needed $972,000 investment to the Dutchess County Airport for important infrastructure improvements. Specifically, this investment from the FAA via the Airport Improvement Program will allow the Dutchess County Airport to move forward with plans to realign Taxiway D and install lighting on Taxiways B, C, and D. Funding will also include design and construction of partial parallel Taxiway K. These funds were released after Schumer's personal letter to the FAA Acting Administrator Huerta supporting this project and asking that the FAA release the funding to Dutchess County so that construction could move forward. County Executive Molinaro also joined in the effort to secure this vital federal funding.

"With this vital federal investment Dutchess County Airport is cleared for take-off. This job-creating and economy-boosting infrastructure project is set to move forward to improve taxiways and increase safety for passengers flying in and out of Dutchess," said Schumer. "The airport is an economic engine for the Hudson Valley, and these funds are the motor oil that helps keep it running strong. I am proud to have worked with County Executive Molinaro to make this project a reality."

Specifically, Dutchess County Airport will use funding to begin a long-needed rehab project to make the runway more attractive to small carriers and can give new incentives for specialty flights to fly in and out. This project will give flights better runways and more space hopefully allowing the county to attract new, small businesses to the airport.

A copy of Sen. Schumer's letter appears below:

Dear Acting Administrator Huerta:

I write today to urge you to approve the much needed funding for the Dutchess County Airport in Wappingers Falls, New York. The Dutchess County airport has applied and is waiting for a $972,000 grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airport Improvement Program grant. Dutchess County has recently been told that their application for funding has been sent to your office and is currently awaiting your approval.

This grant will immediately allow the County to revamp four Taxiways as well as a plan to update their Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). Dutchess County urgently needs the funding to be immediately allocated in order to avoid reentering the entire bidding process all over again, which would seriously delay this important revitalization project. This long-needed rehab will make the runway more attractive to small carriers and can give new incentives for specialty flights to fly in and out of the Dutchess County Airport. It will give flights better runways and more space hopefully allowing the county to attract new, small businesses to the airport. Your swift approval is most important as the County would like to start construction this summer in order to have the necessary repairs done by 2013. Another benefit to the County and local economy is the funding's support of five to ten construction jobs in Dutchess County.

As you are aware, the availability and reliability of air service is a critical component to the success and growth of a region. For Dutchess County and the surrounding Hudson Valley region, this airport is paramount to the county economy, providing transportation opportunities to major employers including educational institutions such as Marist, Vassar and Bard College and private corporations like IBM. As you know, small commercial airports face unique challenges to remain viable in a competitive aviation market. The reputation they establish with their customers and carriers is critical. The ability to increase flights, improve runways and rehab the existing infrastructure will go a long way in improving the services and reliability of flights in and out of Dutchess County.
I have worked tirelessly to expand air service in the upstate region of New York and the Hudson Valley Region and I will continue to work closely with those in Dutchess County who are dedicated to improving the quality of services and infrastructure at the Airport and would appreciate your immediate approval of this worthy grant.

It is critical that improvements and rehabilitation are completed at the Dutchess County Airport to improve the airports infrastructure while creating additional access to economic development possibilities in the area. To that end I urge you to immediately approve the grant for $972,000 and let the important work at Dutchess County Airport begin.

Sincerely,

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer

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