December 9th, 2019 – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced the Department of Transportation is awarding Islip’s Long Island MacArthur Airport $5,404,000 to reconstruct the Western Terminal Aircraft Parking area.
“This significant infrastructure improvement project will replace aging concrete and extend and enhance operational use of the West Apron for the next 20 years,” explained Aviation Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken. “This will help our airport continue to improve its facility and provide excellence to our airlines, customers, and community,” she added.
“We certainly welcome any and all supplemental funding for projects at Long Island MacArthur Airport, and truly appreciate the efforts of all our advocates in government,” said Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter. “U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand were especially instrumental in recognizing the need for the project, understanding the positive economic impact for our region, and securing the necessary federal funding. We are most grateful.”
The current West Terminal Apron dates back to the early 1940’s when the airport was first constructed. Given the age of the existing ramp and the larger aircraft utilizing the West Concourse, this project is critical for the safest operation at MacArthur Airport long-term.
Long Island business leaders and government officials gathered in February, 2019 to voice their unified support for infrastructure upgrades at ISP. The redevelopment funding from the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program (“AIP”) is derived from airport fees nationwide. “Airports across the country compete for this important Supplemental Discretionary funding. The grant enables MacArthur Airport to continue to invest in other much-needed improvements without utilizing its annual AIP Entitlement funding,” explained Deputy Aviation Commissioner Rob Schneider.
MacArthur Airport’s allocation was announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation just prior to the busy Thanksgiving holiday travel season. The airport plans to streamline the project and also to minimize construction impact on airport operations as it successfully performed during recent runway improvement work.
The reconstruction of the West Terminal Apron will consist of the demolition, removal, and replacement of 867 x 322 LF (31,019 LY) concrete and subbase.
Long Island MacArthur Airport is self-sustaining and does not rely on Town of Islip tax revenue. The AIP Grant is 90% funded by the FAA, 5% funded by NYSDOT, and 5% funded from airport Passenger Facility Charges (PFC). The project and its financing help position Long Island MacArthur Airport to attract and retain air service from new and incumbent carriers while keeping ISP costs significantly lower than those at JFK and LGA.
