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 Griffo: MAP Funding Creates New Potential to Grow Jobs

Oneida County Executive Joseph A. Griffo today said that the Federal Aviation Administration multi-million-dollar Military Airport Program (MAP) grant to upgrade the Griffiss Park airfield will create long-term regional economic growth.

“Oneida County’s future is ready for take-off,” said Griffo. “The Griffiss airfield is a tremendous asset that, when fully developed as a regional aviation facility, will create new potential for economic growth throughout our region. The $28 million in new construction that is possible because of the MAP money adds a new dimension to our efforts to create jobs in Oneida County. This project extends the reach of our dreams and opens new doors. On behalf of the people of Oneida County who will benefit from this project for decades to come, I want to thank Transportation Secretary Mineta for funding this vital project and his tremendous support for our area.”

Griffo noted that the Federal Aviation Administration only awards Military Airport Program (MAP) funds to 15 communities at a time across the nation. “The competition for the money was intense,” Griffo said. “Working with Mohawk Valley EDGE and Griffiss Local Development Corp., we assembled a great application, but it took Congressman Boehlert to get us over the top. He hit the home run our regions needs.”

Oneida County sought the MAP funds to finance capital projects that will convert the Griffiss airstrip into a mixed-use air facility that can serve as the catalyst to create a new Griffiss Park with increased air traffic. Griffiss already has one of the longest runways in the Northeast, a unique asset few communities can match.

The county’s proposal, which was accepted by the federal government, calls for projects to be funded through 2008. Major MAP-funded projects include (projects listed by federal fiscal year).:

2004:

$1.8 million for new runway lighting, pavement markings and signage;

$1.045 million for the first phase of construction for the new terminal and FBO facility;

$475,000 for new security fencing and equipment

2005 (proposed – subject to final federal appropriations):

$1.14 million for the second phase of construction for the new terminal and FBO facility;

$3.277 million for a new Instrument Landing System

$1.9 million to construct a general aviation hangar

$1.33 million for rehabilitation and modification to the Terminal Aircraft Parking apron;

$494,000 for environmental assessments;

$760,000 for a 1,500 gallon ARFF vehicle;

$807,000 to build general aviation T-hangars;

$480,000 for general aviation apron rehabilitation;

2006 (proposed – subject to final federal appropriations):

$2.852 million to build a new automobile parking areas;

$1.9 million to build general aviation hangars;

2007 (proposed – subject to final federal appropriations):

$1.9 million to build a materials and equipment storage building;

$1.33 million to build a deicing containment facility;

$1.092 million for roadway modifications;

2008 (proposed – subject to final federal appropriations):

$380,000 for building demolition related to new development;

$142,000 for aircraft fuel facilities.

 “We cannot operate two airfields for very long without the taxpayers being sorely burdened,” Griffo said. “Because of special assistance from Governor Pataki, we can make this transition without a major impact on our local property taxes this year. The Board of Legislators and Chairman Fiorini have understood the need in our region to grow jobs, and I thank them for their bipartisan support.” 

“We will work with the private sector, pilots and Whitestown officials to develop the best re-use for the current Oneida County Airport ,” Griffo said. “With more than 3,000 jobs near the current airport, I can assure you our actions will be designed to work with every employer at the airport site, which as an Empire Zone has some extremely attractive property for development.”

Griffo said privatization of the current airport, which is receiving capital improvements to roadways near the facility due to special aid granted by Gov. Pataki this year, will also be considered. The current county airport is running at full capacity, serving 90 aircraft in its hangars and performing about 60,000 flight operations each year.

The changes at Griffiss will make it more attractive for air cargo and distribution/warehousing. Lack of congestion, coupled with the 11,820-foot-long runway at Griffiss, makes Griffiss an ideal location for an air cargo facility. Griffiss is within 15 miles of three New York State Thruway interchanges; within 500 miles of 13 of the top 50 U.S. markets; and is a one-day truck drive from half of the population, personal income, business and sales in the United States and Canada.

“The Griffiss Airfield can bring our region tremendous new energy and opportunity,” Griffo said. “The MAP project is a tremendous new development that gives our economy a boost and opens up new gateways for our economy. It is fitting that Griffiss, which was such a vital part of our regional heritage, is now a catalyst for a new era of opportunity.”