July 26th, 2021 – Islip Supervisor Angie Carpenter joined with Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand to announce that Long Island MacArthur Airport will receive $8.4 million in airport capital improvement funds for the Rehabilitation of Runway 15R/33L and Taxiway Sierra.
“While the Town of Islip owns and operates MacArthur Airport, it is an asset for all Long Island and the entire region,” said Town of Islip Supervisor, Angie Carpenter. “The airport brings thousands of skilled jobs to our area and is essential to the local economy, which is especially important now, as Long Island recovers from the devastating effects of COVID-19. We are grateful to Senator Schumer, Senator Gillibrand, Congressmen Zeldin and Garbarino and all the elected officials supporting this funding on behalf of Long Island,” she added.
“As MacArthur Airport rebounds and rebuilds post pandemic, our eye is on the future. The existing pavement for Runway 15R/33L is nearly 25 years old and showing signs of age-related distress, and this runway improvement is significant for us,” said MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken. “Additionally, the existing guidance signs are in need of replacement, and new energy efficient LED signs and panels will provide consistency on the airfield,” she added.
Runway 15R-33L is approximately 5,186 feet long by 150-foot-wide. The runway was last resurfaced in 1996. In 2018, the runway pavement was classified as Fair to Poor in some sections with medium to high levels of cracking and weathering.
The funding also enables the rehabilitation of Taxiway Sierra pavement and replacement of guidance signage. Taxiway Sierra pavement is between 26-31 years old and considered in poor to fair condition. Taxiway Sierra is approximately 4,800 feet long by 75-foot-wide and is one of the most heavily used taxiways on the airfield.
The total cost of design, construction and support services is $8,435,486. The project is 100% federally funded with 90% from the AIP and 10% from the COVID relief funds.
“We are so thankful to our elected officials for their support, advocacy and recognition of the significance of Long Island MacArthur Airport to the region. They put their words into action for our community at an important time,” said LaRose-Arken.
