WESTHAMPTON, NY — Westhampton's Francis S. Gabreski Airport is one of more than 100 across the country receiving a total of $970 million in federal funding to make terminal improvements, the Department of Transportation said Thursday.
The $4.9 million grant to the airport in Westhampton “funds in part the construction of a new airport traffic control tower to replace the existing 1940s tower, which has exceeded its useful life and does not meet current standards.” according to the Department of Transportation.
Airport terminal funding, provided under bipartisan infrastructure legislation passed in late 2021, will be distributed to 114 airports in 44 states and three territories for terminal projects that improve the passenger experience, reduce travel costs and create competitive jobs.
The projects range from creating new baggage systems to expanding security checkpoints to expanding gate capacity and modernizing terminals and ground transportation, according to a Department of Transportation release.
Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg said the improvements “will make it easier for passengers to get to and from airports, create jobs and increase safety for everyone”.
The awards are on top of nearly $2 billion for airport terminals announced by the Department of Transportation over the past two years. Most of these terminal projects are under construction.
Funding comes from the Airport Terminal Program, one of three airport programs created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act.
