$68M in federal dollars flow to regional airport

(11/06/2009)

By Dan McLean, Free Press Staff Writer • Friday, November 6, 2009

Federal funds play a large role in building and maintaining the viability of the region's airports.

Burlington International Airport, the state's largest airport, has received 72 grants, totaling $67.7 million in the 28-year-old Airport Improvement Program, according to an analysis by USA Today. And more money is on the way.

Burlington International is designated as a "small hub." The nearest "medium hub" is in Manchester, N.H., and the closest "large hub" is Logan International Airport in Boston.

Albany International Airport, which is also designated as a "small hub," received more than double Burlington's grant total: $138.4 million in 104 grants, according to the analysis.

Plattsburgh, N.Y., International Airport, which is too small to be considered a "small hub," has received $35.7 million in 27 grants through the program. Plattsburgh has received a boost in recent years. In 2003 and 2004, the airport was awarded $4.5 million to build a new terminal, rehabilitate hangars and make other improvements, the analysis said.

Other airports also received a lift.

In September, officials announced Burlington International Airport is slated to receive nearly $13 million in federal money to upgrade taxiways and continue with the airport's South End Development project. The analysis showed Burlington International has received $1.5 million this year and is to receive $1 million next year.

The bulk of the $12.8 million is from the Federal Aviation Administration. Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, secured about $1.5 million for the projects, with the remainder provided through the federal stimulus program and competitive FAA grants. About $8 million comes from FAA grants.

The money will be used to upgrade taxiways and runways leading to the airport's expansion project. Money also will be used to acquire land around the airport to mitigate noise, and to install energy-efficient runway lights, Leahy said at the time.

Rutland's Southern Vermont Regional Airport, the only other airport in Vermont that provides commercial service, received $200,000 for various improvements in 2001 and $1 million for a taxiway in 2003.

Edward F. Knapp State Airport in Berlin received $2 million for runway construction and a parallel taxiway in 2001 and $950,000 for runway improvements this year.

William H. Morse State Airport in Bennington received $1 million for various improvements in 2001 and $500,000 to extend runways and make security improvements.

Source: Burlington Free Press