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The Oswego County Airport is one of just 16 airports across New York that will receive federal funding through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
“We’re happy the Oswego County Airport was selected to receive this funding which will help us replace some of our older snow removal equipment,” said Oswego County Legislator Stephen M. Walpole, chairman of the Oswego County Legislature’s Infrastructure, Facilities and Technology Committee. “Not only will this purchase enhance airport safety and operations at a significantly lower price tag, but it will also reduce runway downtime and equipment maintenance, creating further cost savings to taxpayers.”
The $513,750 award will go toward the purchase of a new front-end loader with a 30-foot runway plow. The total cost of the equipment is $540,790.26. The federal award will cover 95% of the cost while the New York State Department of Transportation and Oswego County will contribute 2.5% ($13,520.13) each.
“This piece of equipment will be used to clear snow and ice on our runways, taxiways and apron areas,” said Oswego County Airport Manager Brandon Schwerdt. “With an average of over 140” of lake effect snow annually, the ability to clear these paved surfaces in a timely fashion is paramount to the safety of aircraft pilots and passengers utilizing our facility.”
He added that the equipment will be a tremendous help with other airfield maintenance projects throughout the year when it is not being used to remove snow.
In June, U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced the over $40 million federal funding package to upgrade airport facilities and improve safety at 16 airports across New York State.
For more information about the Oswego County Airport, call 315-591-9129 or visit https://www.oswegocounty.com/departments/infrastructure_facilities_and_technology/airport.php.
