Van Cortlandt Park Alliance - Howl-O-Ween in 1 week!

Howl-o-ween is in one week! Dress up your pup-kin for our dog parade & costume contest, now featured in the Gothamist & Time Out as one of the best Halloween events for dogs in NYC! Proceeds go towards volunteer efforts in the three dog runs of Van Barklandt Pawk!

 

12 pm - 2 pm at Canine Court in Van Cortlandt Park!

Enjoy treats & photo ops with your dog!

 

$20 Costume Contest Entry on Eventbrite, $25 Entry Day of

Handlers & spectators free!

 

Contest Categories

Spookiest Small Dog

Jack-O-Large Dog

Ghoulish Group

Fab-boo-lous Owner & Dog Duo

Creepin’ it Creative

 

Prizes From

Bark Box

Fluff & Tuff Dog Toys

New Leash New York

Well Rounded Hound

Xclusive Pets Mobile Grooming

& More!

Register Here!

Our Contact Information Van Cortlandt Park Alliance 80 Van Cortlandt Park South, Ste. E1 Bronx, NY 10463 718-601-1460 http://vancortlandt.org

NYS Private Sector Employment Up 7,500 Jobs in September 2023

 

Labor Force Participation Continues to Reach Highest Levels in a Decade

 According to preliminary seasonally adjusted figures released today by the New York State Department of Labor, the number of private sector jobs in New York State increased over the month by 7,500, or 0.1%, to 8,261,800 in September 2023. The number of private sector jobs in the U.S. increased by 0.2% in September 2023.

     New York State's private sector jobs (not seasonally adjusted) increased by 119,400, or 1.5%, over the year in September 2023, which was less than the 1.9% increase in the number of private sector jobs in the U.S.

     New York State's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.9% in August to 4.0% in September 2023. At the same time, New York State's labor force (seasonally adjusted) increased by 4,100. As a result, the statewide labor force participation rate increased from 61.5% to 61.6% in September 2023, matching its highest level in a decade.

     The number of private sector jobs in New York State is based on a payroll survey of New York businesses conducted by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Monthly payroll employment estimates are preliminary and subject to revision as more complete data become available the following month. The BLS calculates New York State’s unemployment rate based partly upon the results of the monthly Current Population Survey (CPS) of approximately 3,100 households in the State.

Note: Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. Non-seasonally adjusted data are valuable in year-to-year comparisons of the same month – for example, September 2022 versus September 2023. 

Statewide Industry Employment

September 2023 – Seasonally Adjusted

• On a net basis, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the state increased by 21,700 over the month, while private sector jobs increased by 7,500 in September 2023.
• At the same time, the total number of nonfarm jobs in the nation increased by 336,000, while private sector jobs increased by 263,000.

NYS Matches the Nation in Nonfarm Job Growth

Over-the-Month % Change in Total Nonfarm & Private Sector Jobs, August – September 2023

Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs Increased in September 2023 Total Nonfarm and Private Sector Jobs (in 1000s), January 1990 – September 2023 Statewide Unemployment September 2023 – Seasonally Adjusted The statewide unemployment increased from 3.9% in August to 4.0% in September 2023. New York City’s unemployment rate held constant at 5.3%. Outside of New York City, the unemployment rate increased from 3.0% in August to 3.1% in September 2023. The number of unemployed New Yorkers increased over the month by 7,900, from 384,700 in August to 392,600 in September 2023. NYS Unemployment Rate Increased Over the Month Labor Force Statistics, September 2022, August – September 2023 The Labor Force and Number of Unemployed Increased in September Total Labor Force & Number of Unemployed, January 2009 – September 2023 Unemployment Rate Increased in NYS, Held Constant in US Unemployment Rate, NYS & US, January 2009 – September 2023 Unemployment Rate Held Constant in NYC and Increased in Balance of State Unemployment Rate, NYC & BOS, January 2009 – September 2023 Private Education & Health Services Jobs Increased by 5.7% Over the Year Over-the-Year Change in Jobs by Major Industry Sector, September 2022 – September 2023  Jobs and Unemployment Fact Sheet This fact sheet conveys important technical information that will contribute to a better understanding of labor force data (“household survey”), including resident employment/unemployment rates, and jobs by industry data (“business survey”), which are presented in the New York State Department of Labor’s monthly press release. State Unemployment Rates Based on Regression Model Beginning with data for January 1996, unemployment rates for New York State and all other states (as well as New York City and the City of Los Angeles) have been estimated using time-series regression statistical models developed by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Advantage of Regression Model Use of a time-series regression model reduces the month-to-month variation in unemployment rates and resident employment by reducing variation caused by sampling errors and other components of statistical noise (irregularities). Benchmarking of Estimates Once each year, labor force estimates, such as civilian labor force and the unemployment rate, are revised to reflect updated input data including new Census Bureau populations controls, newly revised establishment jobs data and new state-level annual average data from the Current Population Survey (CPS). As part of this procedure, all state figures are reviewed, revised as necessary and then re-estimated. This process is commonly referred to as “benchmarking.” Changes in Methodology Labor force estimates are now produced with an improved time-series regression model, which utilizes “real-time” benchmarking. “Real-time” benchmarking reduces end-of-year revisions, which also means that major economic events will be reflected in a more timely manner in state labor force estimates. In addition, the new methodology includes an updated way of estimating for sub-state areas (e.g. counties, metro areas) the number of unemployed who are new entrants or re-entrants into the labor force. This change in methodology will result in lower unemployment rates in some areas and increased rates in others. Unemployed and UI Beneficiaries The estimate of the number of unemployed includes all persons who had no employment during the reference week (the week including the 12th of the month), were available for work, except for temporary illness, and had made specific efforts to find employment sometime during the 4-week period ending with the reference week. Unemployment insurance (UI) beneficiaries include those who apply for and qualify for UI benefits. Consequently, the estimate of the number of unemployed and the number of UI beneficiaries do not necessarily move in tandem. Jobs Data Jobs data are obtained from a separate joint federal-state survey of business establishments. The survey, called the Current Employment Statistics of Establishments, has a sample size of 18,000 establishments in New York State. It excludes self-employed workers, agricultural workers, unpaid family workers and domestic workers employed by private households. This data represents a count of jobs by place of work. Data for each month is revised the following month as more complete information becomes available. The New York State Department of Labor is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

NYPD Officer And Yonkers Man Arrested For Distributing Fentanyl And Heroin

 

NYPD Officer on Modified Duty Conspired to Distribute Kilogram Quantities of Fentanyl and Heroin

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, James Smith, the Assistant Director in Charge of the New York Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”), and Edward A. Caban, the Commissioner of the New York City Police Department (“NYPD”), announced the filing of a Complaint in Manhattan federal court charging GRACE ROSA BAEZ and CESAR MARTINEZ with conspiracy to distribute narcotics and distribution of narcotics.  The defendants were arrested yesterday and were presented today before U.S. Magistrate Judge James L. Cott. 

 

U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said: “Grace Rosa Baez took an oath to protect and serve the people of New York City.  As alleged, she flagrantly violated that oath by pushing poison, including fentanyl and heroin, which are driving the nation’s deadly opioid crisis and have been responsible for thousands of tragic deaths in this city and around the nation.  My Office and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively pursue those peddling these deadly poisons – no matter who they are.” 

FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said: “Baez and Martinez allegedly took part in a conspiracy to distribute dangerous narcotics on the streets of our city.  This is a direct violation of the oath Baez took to protect and serve.  The FBI along with our partners in law enforcement will continue to investigate and hold responsible anyone who endangers our community through narcotics sales.”

NYPD Police Commissioner Edward A. Caban said: “These charges are extremely troubling because there is no place for corruption within the NYPD.  If found guilty of these allegations, this officer will have tarnished the shield that she wore, as well as her sacred oath to New Yorkers.  She and her co-defendant will certainly be held to the highest account provided by the law.”

As alleged in the Complaint filed today in Manhattan federal court:[1]

From at least on or about October 9, 2023, through on or about October 19, 2023, BAEZ and MARTINEZ had numerous conversations with a confidential source (the “CS”) working with law enforcement regarding wholesale narcotics trafficking.  In particular, during those discussions, BAEZ and MARTINEZ offered to sell the CS kilogram quantities of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.  For example, on or about October 11, 2023, BAEZ told the CS, in substance and in part, that BAEZ could sell the CS two kilograms of fentanyl for $30,000 per kilogram, could sell the CS an additional 400 grams of heroin with pricing to be negotiated later, and further agreed to provide the CS with a sample of the fentanyl.  BAEZ told the CS, in substance and in part, that the fentanyl was top quality and directed that the CS meet her on or about October 16, 2023, to obtain a sample of the drugs available for sale.

On or about October 16, 2023, BAEZ and the CS met in Yonkers, New York, near BAEZ and MARTINEZ’s shared apartment.  During the meeting, BAEZ handed the CS a plastic candy container and indicated that the fentanyl sample was inside.  As depicted below, the bottle contained a small, clear bag filled with a white powdery substance, which was later tested and confirmed to contain fentanyl.    

On or about October 17, 2023, BAEZ told the CS, in substance and in part, that BAEZ had a sample of heroin ready for the CS and asked the CS to meet her in Yonkers.  During their meeting, BAEZ handed the CS a clear plastic bag filled with a white powdery substance, which was later tested and confirmed to contain heroin.  BAEZ told the CS, in substance and in part, that she had additional heroin available for sale and that she would provide the CS’s phone number to her boyfriend, MARTINEZ. 

Later that day, on or about October 17, 2023, MARTINEZ called the CS and negotiated the sale of approximately one kilogram of heroin and 800 grams of fentanyl.  MARTINEZ further stated, in substance and in part, that he would have cocaine for sale in the following weeks.  Later in the evening on or about October 17, 2023, MARTINEZ told the CS, in substance and in part, that on or about October 19, 2023, MARTINEZ and BAEZ could sell the CS one kilogram of heroin for approximately $25,000 and an additional 800 grams of fentanyl with pricing to be negotiated later.  MARTINEZ directed the CS to test the purity of the fentanyl and then pay BAEZ and MARTINEZ based on the quality of the fentanyl.

On or about October 18, 2023, BAEZ and MARTINEZ continued to discuss narcotics transactions with the CS, including negotiations over pricing.  BAEZ and MARTINEZ told the CS, in substance and in part, that they would also sell the CS approximately 400 grams of a lesser-quality heroin and an additional sample of fentanyl. 

On or about October 19, 2023, the CS and BAEZ met in Yonkers to complete the narcotics transaction.  BAEZ handed the CS packages containing suspected narcotics, including what appeared to be one kilogram of suspected heroin, which was labeled “#1”; 400 grams of suspected heroin, which was labeled “400”; 640 grams of suspected fentanyl, which was labeled “640 MANZANA”; and an additional, separate sample of suspected fentanyl, as depicted below:

After BAEZ was arrested, members of law enforcement approached BAEZ and MARTINEZ’s shared apartment and observed a package of suspected narcotics being thrown from inside the apartment to outside the apartment.  Inside the apartment, law enforcement discovered a kilogram press machine, as well as additional suspected narcotics that MARTINEZ had apparently attempted to throw outside.

Up to the date of her arrest, BAEZ had been employed as a police officer with the NYPD.  BAEZ began her employment with the NYPD in or about 2012.  In or about 2020, following accusations of misconduct, the NYPD began to investigate BAEZ, who was ultimately placed on modified duty.  As of October 2023, during her participation in selling kilogram quantities of narcotics, BAEZ was assigned to modified desk duty at a particular NYPD facility.

BAEZ engaged in some of the above-described offense conduct while on duty.  For example, BAEZ was on duty: (i) on or about October 11, 2023, when BAEZ communicated with the CS regarding where to meet to discuss the drug sales; (ii) on or about October 13, 2023, when BAEZ negotiated the price and quality of the fentanyl and arranged to deliver a sample of fentanyl to the CS; and (iii) on or about October 18, 2023, when BAEZ negotiated the final delivery with the CS.

BAEZ, 37, of the Bronx, New York, and MARTINEZ, 43, of Yonkers, New York, are charged in Count One with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and heroin and in Counts Two, Three, and Four with narcotics distribution.  Counts One and Four carry a mandatory minimum term of 10 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life in prison.  Counts Two and Three carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. 

The minimum and maximum potential sentences in this case are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

Mr. Williams praised the outstanding investigative work of the FBI and NYPD.

This case is being handled by the Office’s Narcotics Unit.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Amanda C. Weingarten is in charge of the prosecution.

The charges contained in the Complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

[1] As the introductory phrase signifies, the entirety of the text of the Complaint and the description of the Complaint set forth herein constitute only allegations, and every fact described herein should be treated as an allegation.

Statement From Governor Kathy Hochul on Rail Service Impacts of Mudslide in Westchester County

 

“This morning, a mudslide in Westchester County has caused significant disruption to Metro North and Amtrak service. Thankfully, there have been no injuries reported and no individuals are stranded in impacted areas. The MTA has suspended Metro North service between Tarrytown and Croton Harmon, and is working to arrange bus service as replacement transportation for impacted passengers. At this point, our top priority is to restore service as quickly as possible and we are deeply grateful to the hard-working MTA personnel and emergency responders who are working to keep commuters, motorists and all New Yorkers safe.”

MAYOR ADAMS ANNOUNCES TENTATIVE CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH COUNCIL OF SCHOOL SUPERVISORS AND ADMINISTRATORS, PROVIDING SUBSTANTIAL WAGE INCREASES TO NYC SCHOOL LEADERS AND BENEFITS FOR STUDENTS

 

Agreement Conforms to Pattern Established with DC 37 and UFT, Includes Annual Raises, Employee Retention Payments, and Virtual Learning Program to Create New Opportunities for Students

New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Office of Labor Relations (OLR) Commissioner Renee Campion today announced that the City of New York has reached a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement with the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators (CSA). This agreement will cover approximately 6,400 municipal employees, bringing the total workforce under contract, once ratified, to approximately 88 percent. 

 

The five-year, two-month agreement is retroactive, beginning on January 29, 2023, and expires on March 29, 2028. It conforms to the civilian pattern established under the contracts with District Council 37 (DC 37) and the United Federation of Teachers (UFT), with wage increases between 3.00 percent and 3.50 percent. It also would provide a ratification bonus of $3,000 to all members, and annual payments each December to promote employee retention. 

 

To ensure the success of the city’s first-in-the-nation virtual learning program, introduced under the agreement with the UFT announced earlier this year, the agreement includes provisions to ensure principals and administrators play an integral role in program design and implementation. Further, school-based and non-school-based employees would be given flexible schedules, in line with the work flexibility provisions in the DC 37 contract. Additionally, this agreement increases payments for leaders of schools with the largest enrollment and increases pay equity among administrators, closing the gap between elementary principals and their peers.

 

“I am proud to announce that the City of New York has reached a tentative five-plus-year contract agreement with the Council of Supervisors and Administrators that provides substantial wage increases for the people who support and safeguard our children, and significant benefits for our pupils as well,” said Mayor Adams. “This is a great deal for workers and fair to city taxpayers, and it wouldn’t have happened without the hard work and partnership of CSA President Henry Rubio, Office of Labor Relations Commissioner Renee Campion, Chancellor Banks and his team, and the dedicated members of this great union. This administration will always stand with working people. As a former union member and a city employee, I know how hard our educators work on behalf of all New Yorkers, and we are going to make sure our union members get the wages, rights, and respect they deserve.” 

 

“This agreement provides important victories for our leaders in education and our students,” said OLR Commissioner Campion. “I thank President Henry Rubio, as well as Chancellor Banks and their entire teams, for their leadership and partnership in negotiating this contract.”

 

“This tentative agreement not only acknowledges the dedication of New York City school leaders; it represents a deep understanding of the pivotal role they play in shaping our city’s future,” said CSA President Henry Rubio. “We thank Mayor Adams, Chancellor Banks, and Commissioner Campion for supporting our school supervisors and administrators, so they, in turn, can provide the best possible environment for our students to thrive. This contract delivers our members the salaries they deserve and flexibility they have earned, so that we can continue to recruit and retain top-tier talent to lead our public schools.” 

 

“Our recent agreement with the Council of School Supervisors and Administrators marks a bold step towards equity, innovation, and the future of New York City’s public schools,” said New York City Department of Education Chancellor David C. Banks. “By valuing our school leaders appropriately, championing flexibility, and embracing virtual learning, we're laying the foundation for generations to come. This isn't just an agreement for the next five years; it's a testament to our shared vision for a brighter educational horizon. Together with CSA, we are shaping the future of education in New York City.”

 

The agreement must be ratified by CSA membership, which is comprised of New York City public school principals, assistant principals, supervisors, and education administrators.

 

The total cost of the tentative CSA agreement is approximately $500 million through Fiscal Year 2027. The agreement is fully funded in the Labor Reserve.

 

CSA members will receive the following compounded wage increases upon ratification:

• January 29, 2023: 3.00 percent
• June 29, 2024: 3.00 percent
• January 29, 2025: 3.00 percent
• January 29, 2026: 3.25 percent
• January 29, 2027: 3.50 percent 

Governor Hochul Announces $49 Million in State Funding for Airports Across New York State

Funding Through the Aviation Capital Grant Program

Funds Support Modernization, Operational Improvements, Resiliency, and Safety Enhancements

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that 36 public-use airports across New York State will receive approximately $49 million for strategic infrastructure enhancements that will enhance safety, facilitate innovation, leverage existing resources, advance business development, and promote sustainability and resiliency.

“A strong investment in our airports is a meaningful investment in our communities and the future of the Empire State,” Governor Hochul said. “Airports are gateways to communities large and small across New York State and these grants will serve as a launchpad to springboard many of these facilities into the 21st century and beyond.”

Administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, projects funded through the Aviation Capital Grant Program include the construction and rehabilitation of new and existing hangars, electrification and carbon reduction programs, new and upgraded snow removal equipment, and updated security systems. These investments will serve to make the surrounding communities more economically competitive with neighboring states.

Funding from the Aviation Capital Grant Program was awarded to the following projects:

CAPITAL DISTRICT – $8.8 million

• Albany International Airport, Albany County - $1.6 million toward the rehabilitation, safety overhaul, and energy efficiency modernization of existing elevators located in the existing terminal area and north parking garage elevators.
• Columbia County Airport, Columbia County - $2.4 million toward terminal building upgrades addressing the existing facilities’ age and energy inefficiencies by rehabilitation and replacement improvements to many of the existing components within the terminal area space, hangar, and pilots’ lounge.
• Saratoga County Airport, Saratoga County - $1.5 million toward an emergency back-up generator to be run off the existing natural gas line.
• Schenectady County Airport, Schenectady County - $0.9 million toward the procurement of snow removal equipment (SRE), specifically a dual engine high speed snowblower vehicle.
• South Albany Airport, Albany County - $2.5 million toward addressing the demand for covered hanger space including the construction of a pre-engineered metal T-hanger as well as the installation of a pre-engineered, covered shade hangar.

CENTRAL NEW YORK – $5.5 million

• Cortland County Airport, Chase Field, Cortland County - $2.5 million toward the construction of a new conventional aircraft storage hangar building including offices and an expansion of the existing landside vehicle parking lot.
• Oswego County Airport, Oswego County - $0.5 million toward the acquisition of aviation fuel trucks.
• Syracuse Regional Airport, Onondaga County - $2.5 million toward the construction phase of a redesigned de-icing pad and control center to address current capacity and safety concerns.

FINGER LAKES – $8.6 million

• Finger Lakes Regional Airport, Seneca County - $2.3 million toward the construction of a T-hangar building consisting of eight to ten bays for the storage of airport-based aircraft, including concrete foundations and floors, new lighting, power outlets, and bi-fold doors.
• Frederick Douglass Great Rochester Regional Airport, Monroe County - $1.1 million toward airport electrification and carbon reduction through a program that can help eliminate the fossil-fuel powered equipment and vehicles and manage airport growth and electrical demand.
• Genesee County Airport, Genesee County - $2.5 million toward the construction of a storage facility for snow removal equipment (SRE) including the building, utilities, paved access, and associated site improvements.
• Penn Yan Airport, Yates County - $2.3 million toward the construction of an eight-bay T-hangar including access pavement, drainage improvements, and security gate improvements.
• Williamson-Sodus Airport, Wayne County - $0.4 million toward the removal of airport obstructions, T-hangar improvements, electrical vehicle chargers, and pavement rehabilitation.

LONG ISLAND – $1 million

• Republic Airport, Suffolk County - $1 million toward safety and electrification; adding a snow removal broom to the airport’s equipment fleet, replacement of airfield mowers with autonomous, electric powered mowers, and to add electric vehicle charging stations to the main terminal parking lot.

MID-HUDSON – $1.5 million

• Hudson Valley Regional Airport, Dutchess County - $0.2 million toward the purchase of two electric mowers capable of maintaining the airfield turf areas, and the purchase of two electric support vehicles for on-airport operations travel.
• Orange County Airport, Orange County - $1.4 million toward expanding the visual area and technological capabilities of the existing security and surveillance system consisting of upgrading existing security cameras, adding new security cameras, replacing existing keypads at automated gates and providing remote access technology, chain link fencing, and gates.

MOHAWK VALLEY – $4.5 million

• Fulton County Airport, Fulton County - $2 million toward the removal and replacement of two existing underground aviation fuel tanks including the existing fuel dispensing system with a new fuel farm to include two above ground state-of-the-art fuel tanks and the associated self-serving dispensing systems.
• Griffiss International Airport, Oneida County - $2.5 million toward renovating and outfitting existing building to accommodate Navmar Applied Sciences Corporation’s expansion who will be leasing the building long term.

NORTH COUNTRY – $7.7 million

• Adirondack Regional Airport, Franklin County - $1 million toward the completion of the town hangar and will include upgraded electric service, lighting, installation of a heating system, insulation, painting of the structural steel, replacement of metal roofing and siding, new liner panels, new windows, and new personnel doors
• Floyd Bennett memorial Airport, Warren County - $2.3 million toward the removal of an existing dilapidated T-hangar and the construction of a new six-unit T-hangar in the same location.
• Massena International Airport, St. Lawrence County - $0.1 million toward the purchase of a batwing trailed mower and a snow removal support vehicle consisting of a commercial grade pick-up truck with material spreader and plow blades.
• Piseco Airport, Hamilton County - $0.1 million toward the acquisition of a skid steer for multipurpose maintenance.
• Plattsburgh International Airport, Clinton County - $2.0 million toward a new eight-bay T-hangar with office space, including improved access pavement, site drainage modifications, and pavement markings.
• Watertown International Airport, Jefferson County - $2.1 million toward the rehabilitation of a portion of Hangar D to extend its useful life including reinforcing the building envelope to reduce areas where deficiencies were identified.

SOUTHERN TIER – $5.1 million

• Corning-Painted Post Airport, Steuben County - $0.3 million toward the acquisition of an excavator with attachments for ground maintenance.
• Elmira Corning Regional Airport, Chemung County - $0.8 million toward the acquisition of electrified equipment and associated charging infrastructure.
• Greater Binghamton Airport/Edwin A. Link Field, Broome County - $0.8 million toward acquisition of several pieces of ground service equipment (GSE) including electric vehicles in the form of pushback tractor/tugs (large and small) in order to prepare for an electric fleet in a strategic manner.
• Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, Tompkins County - $1.4 million toward the construction of a 2,600 sq.ft. Emergency Operations facility that would be co-located within a proposed Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting/Snow Removal Equipment (ARFF/SRE) facility which is being funded by FAA.
• Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport, Chenango County - $0.6 million toward the acquisition of a new snow removal equipment vehicle (snowplow), and attachments including snowplow and wing combination, and slide-in hopper with spreader for deicing and traction materials.
• Tri-Cities Airport, Broome County - $1.2 million toward the replacement of the existing refueling facility and the installation of new fuel tanks as well as a new self-service credit card reader and tank monitoring system.

WESTERN NEW YORK – $6.3 million

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport, Erie County - $2.2 million toward the purchase and installation of two replacement passenger boarding bridges (PBBs) with new pre-conditioned air (PCA) units and ground power units (GPUs) for Gates 8 and 22 at the BUF passenger terminal.
• Chautauqua County Dunkirk Airport, Chautauqua County - $0.5 million toward the replacement of two existing bi-fold hangar doors with new electric bi-fold doors.
• Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport, Chautauqua County - $1.1 million toward the improvement of existing commercial space within the airport terminal building, replacement of a rapid heating system in an existing hangar, and the replacement of an existing security camera system in and around the terminal.
• Niagara Falls International Airport, Niagara County - $1.3 million toward the procurement of 10 pieces of equipment to enhance the safety and efficiency of snow removal operations and wildlife management.
• LeRoy Airport, Genesee County - $0.8 million toward the rehabilitation of existing asphalt taxiways, taxi lanes, aprons, and the vehicle parking area, as well as fuel farm rehabilitation including replacing pumps, hoses, and nozzles.
• Wellsville Municipal Airport, Allegany County - $0.5 million toward the demolition/removal of the existing north hangar roof and the installation of a new insulated metal roof system with new gutters and downspouts.

Funding was awarded to projects through a competitive solicitation process and rated based on established criteria including economic benefits for surrounding communities and businesses; adherence to regional economic development plans; safety improvements; improved operational efficiency; and energy efficiency and emissions reduction. The New York State Department of Transportation is committed to working with local project sponsors to expedite the delivery of these improvements.