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Airports, transit systems receive federal funding
Airports, transit systems receive federal funding
Upstate New York airports and transit systems will share more than $480 million in the newest COVID relief package, including several in the Rochester and Finger Lakes regions.
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) said this week that Upstate airports will receive more than $84 million, while transit systems will receive nearly $396 million to help transportation systems keep their wheels turning while the state recovers from the pandemic.
“Air travel and public transportation are among the most severely impacted industries amid the pandemic, and both are vital to the connectivity and success of the upstate economy,” Schumer said in a statement. “Airports and transit systems serve important functions in their communities, especially in more rural areas, connecting communities and residents and allowing for economic opportunities to cruise in. As majority leader, I was proud to make transportation funding a priority and the American Rescue Plan will deliver this much-needed aid to keep upstate residents connected. Help is on the way that will put Upstate New York’s transportation on the road to recovery.”
In the Rochester area, the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport will receive roughly $12 million, while Finger Lakes Regional Airport, Dansville Municipal Airport, Genesee County Airport and Canandaigua Airport will receive $32,000 each.
Rochester-Genesee Regional Transportation Authority will receive $45.4 million in funding.
Schumer noted that the total funding will be allocated by the Department of Transportation and includes $12.5 million for the state DOT Rural 5311 program, which aims to support public transportation in areas with populations of fewer than 50,000 people. The funds may be used for capital and operating assistance grants to local public bodies, tribes and operators of intercity bus services in rural areas.
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