WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced recently that a total of $1,156,800 in U.S. Department of Transportation funding for Lt. Warren Eaton Airport in Norwich had come through. The funds will be used for runway rehabilitation construction.
“This is terrific news ... unexpected so quick. I thought we would not hear from them until October and it would be too late to begin work for this season,” said Chenango County Airport Administrator Donald W. MacIntosh.
The federal grant for Lt. Warren Eaton Airport will be used to help fund the rehabilitation of runway 1-19, including the replacement of the taxiway lighting system. County lawmakers just approved the project last week as part of the airport’s five-year capital improvement. MacIntosh said he expected to hear from the county’s contracted engineering firm, C&S Engineers Inc. of Syracuse, about the next steps to take.
“We will try to have a meeting with the contractor and see if construction can be scheduled for this summer,” he said. The county agreed to contract with Contour Construction Group of Binghamton for the work, and estimated the cost of the entire project to be $1.24 million.
“This is great news for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of Lt. Warren Eaton Airport every day,” said Senator Schumer. “With this funding, the airport can make runway renovations that will ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of the facility. I will continue to fight for funds like these that promote safety at all New York airports.”
“These are important investments for Lt. Warren Eaton Airport,” Senator Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help provide critical upgrades to improve the airport and provide better service for travelers.”