Penn Yan Airport receives $1M runway grant

PENN YAN—The Penn Yan Airport was awarded $1,046,328 in federal funding to improve runway infrastructure.
The funding, announced Wednesday, July 24, is allocated through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program. The federal funding for Penn Yan Airport will be used to repave runway 119 by milling and overlaying the current infrastructure.
Airport Manager Rich Leppart said no date has been set for the work. He explained runway 119 (two lanes going north to south and south to north) totals 5,500 feet.
“The money will go toward repaving runway number 119,” said H. Taylor Fitch, chairman of the Yates County Legislature. “We’re very happy to receive the grant, it’s always nice to receive federal funds to help the economy.”
“This Department of Transportation grant will ensure that Penn Yan Airport can continue to safely serve residents, businesses and visitors to the area for years to come,” said Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY). “Improving runways is essential for the success of the airport, the safety of area-travelers, and the growth of the greater Finger-Lakes region.”
“This is an important investment for Penn Yan Airport and the Finger Lakes region,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said. “Improving the airport’s runway can help provide better, safer service for travelers and business, and help strengthen the local economy.”