A big batch of federal funding is coming to the Niagara Falls International Airport.
Western New York Congresswoman Kathy Hochul joined Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority leaders at the Airport Thursday morning.
Hochu announced that the Federal Aviation Administration will provide $11.7 million to rebuild the main runway at the Falls Airport.
“This runway investment will strengthen the role of the Niagara Falls International Airport as an economic catalyst for the Niagara region, and will put it in a position to serve thousands of more passengers every year,” said Congresswoman Hochul. “This funding could have been used anywhere in the country, and I am proud to have helped direct these funds towards improvements at our airport, which will provide an important boost to our local economy.”
Hochul tells WBFO and AM-970 News the timing of the funding is also critical as they battle to keep the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station open.
"This is an important component in our argument that we are making to military on why they should continue to invest in the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station because they share this large runway," said Hochul
In February, Congresswoman Hochul called and wrote FAA Acting-Administrator Michael Huerta urging him to expedite the funding for this project.
Completion of the main runway project at the Niagara Falls International Airport will attract new and expanded investments in Western New York.
Allegiant Airline has also announced that it will expand its service at the Falls Airport by offering flights to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.