COLONIE — Albany International Airport will receive over $3 million in federal funding, allowing it to continue its run of recent infrastructure improvements.
The funding is a result of a combined effort from U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, and U.S. Representative Paul Tonko.
“Keeping our airport terminals in top-notch shape is crucial for traveler safety and for attracting business and tourism to the region,” Schumer said. “With this funding, the Albany International Airport will be able to make the critical infrastructure upgrades to its passenger boarding bridges, which will increase safety and efficiency for the passengers and pilots that fly in and out of the Albany area every day.”
The total funding amount the airport will receive is $3,036,119, and it will go towards the design and construction of three passenger boarding bridges to maintain the efficient movement of passengers at the airport. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), according to a press release.
“This is a big win for Albany International. Our local airports are huge drivers of the local economy, and ensuring that they have the tools they need to provide safe and convenient travel to the business community and leisure travelers is critical to achieve the economic growth that we are all working toward in our region. I applaud John O’Donnell and his team at Albany International for the important work they do each and every day,” Tonko said.
Recently, the airport has seen a jump in passenger traffic, leading to such upgrades. During the first half of 2016, Albany International saw an increase of over 600,000 people.
Since January, the airport has seen a 10 percent increase in passenger traffic and two new long term parking lots have already been constructed. The Economy-E lot was also expanded. Passenger traffic in June of this year was up approximately 11 percent from June of last year. The jump could have stemmed from the addition of two new airlines for passengers to utilize, JetBlue Airlines and American Airlines. During the first half of this year, JetBlue carried 6 percent of passengers, approximately 41,158, according to airport data.
