Chemung County Legislator Rodney J. Strange attended the official ground breaking on September 27th for the final phase of the Elmira Corning Regional Airport’s runway extension project.
The ceremony marks the beginning of the construction phase of the 401 foot extension to Runway 6-24. When the extension is completed, Runway 6-24 will have 8,000 feet available for aircraft departures.
“The extension of our main runway will substantially upgrade the capacity of ELM by supporting larger aircraft and will enhance safety for all who use it,” said Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli. “The project is essential to accommodate the growth that we’ve been experiencing at the airport,” said Ann Crook, Airport Manager. “This federal investment will create jobs in Chemung County and help to continue to grow our local economy,” she said.
Legislator Strange said this type of project is what is needed for the future of air transportation in Chemung County. “This will help market the airport to other airlines and enhance the viability for the ones we have here now.”
The $9 million project is funded with a 95% grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration and a 2-1/2% grant from the N.Y. State Department of Transportation. The remainder will be paid from a local $4.50 passenger facility charge.