Republic Airport on Long Island will get $24.2 million in safety enhancements with the majority of the funding coming from a federal grant, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on July 18.
Cuomo said the improvements at the airport in East Farmingdale, N.Y. will strengthen its capacity to serve the New York City region by realigning the main runway, improving signage, enhancing lighting and installing a perimeter security fence. The project is supported by a $21.8 million grant from the Federal Aviation Administration's Airport Improvement Program and $2.1 million in state funding.
"Republic Airport is a vital link for air traffic to and from Long Island and serves a crucial role in keeping New Yorkers safe during emergencies," said Governor Cuomo in a statement. "This investment will give people and businesses more reasons to visit and ultimately call New York home. I am pleased to collaborate with our federal partners to make these enhancements a reality."
Republic Airport is 35 miles east of Manhattan in Suffolk County and is owned by New York State. Cuomo said the 526-acre property supports around 1,400 jobs. The Democratic governor proposed in January creating tax-free zones around Republic and utilizing the facility for cargo shipments to help free up additional space at Kennedy International Airport in Queens.
