Higgins Announces $302,000 for Dunkirk Airport

Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-27) announced a new addition to the growing great news for the Dunkirk Airport. Today the U.S. Department of Transportation awarded the Dunkirk Airport in Chautauqua County $302,005 in new federal funding. “Funding transportation infrastructure is one of the best investments we can make toward the goal of long term job creation and economic growth,” said Congressman Higgins. “Here in Dunkirk we are literally opening up the runway to all of the great resources this community has to offer including a dedicated workforce, amazing natural resources including access to fresh water, a tourist destination like no other and a welcoming business climate.” The funds will be used toward the design of the Runway 24 extension included in Phase II of the airport improvement plan. The extension will lead to enhanced overall airport security and facilitate runway construction and taxiway extension to Runway 24 to accommodate the business jet aircraft that are based at and fly regularly into the airport. Dunkirk Aviation President Lou Nalbone recently indicated that work completed last year has already resulted in an increase in business traffic. In 2009 the Dunkirk Airport was provided $3.5 million through the Recovery Act and an additional $1 million requested by Congressman Higgins in the Transportation bill for airport improvements. Just last month the Congressman announced an additional $115,900, bringing the total amount of federal funds awarded to the Dunkirk Airport over the last two years to close to $5 million. In addition, the Jamestown Airport received close to $800,000 in federal dollars over the last 24 months.