The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded a $1 million grant for improvements to Dutchess County Airport in the town of Wappinger, U.S. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney announced.
Maloney, a Democrat representing the 18th congressional district, said the federal investment will create jobs and “shore up one of the busiest noncommercial airports in the state, while protecting the safety of our neighbors, businesses and visitors.”
Dutchess County officials said the grant will be used to repave taxiways, upgrade markings, make drainage improvements, replace an outdated lighting system and begin the design of a critical runway realignment project.
Dutchess County Executive Marcus Molinaro in the grant announcement called the county-operated general aviation airport “a vital economic development resource” that has an economic impact in the area of more than $44 million annually. He said the FAA funding will be combined with grant funding awarded by the state to make the airport “an unparalleled economic asset.”
The Dutchess County Water and Wastewater Authority in December was approved for a $750,000 Empire State Development grant to extend municipal water service to the Dutchess County Airport Business Park to stimulate private investment there.
