Albany, NY (August 28, 2003) - - - Reverend Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced the receipt of a $6.7 million federal grant to enable the Albany International Airport to extend its primary runway. The project, which will extend the runway by 1,300 feet, is scheduled to begin during 2004.

"This project will offer a new measure of safety and efficiency for our airlines and travelers by extending the runway to meet takeoff length requirements of our existing fleet and improving the important safety zone located at the end of our main runway," said Rev. Farano.

The runway project will extend the Airport’s primary (north-south) runway 1,300 feet to the north. The first phase of the project will involve ground preparation and grading in a large ravine north of the present runway and the construction of a perimeter security patrol road. Phase two of the project, which will be covered under funds already programmed for future allocation will include paving of the runway and taxiway and the installation of runway lighting. When completed, the primary runway will be 8,500 feet long and 150 feet wide.

"The extended runway will open the door for Albany based airlines and allow us to explore new opportunities for air travel," said John O’Donnell, acting Chief Executive Officer of the Albany International Airport. "We are most grateful to our congressional delegation including Congressman Michael McNulty, Congressman John Sweeney and Senator Charles Schummer for their commitment and support that helped us obtain this important funding."

"This Airport project will be a boost to the area’s economy by providing extended work for scores of construction workers in the Capital Region," said Congressman Michael McNulty of Green Island.

"This is an extremely worthwhile project from a safety and from an economic standpoint," said Congressman John Sweeney of Clifton Park. "I'm proud to be a longtime supporter of the Airport, and I'll continue to work hard in the future to help secure funding for projects that aid in its safe expansion."

The cost of phase one of the project is estimated at $7.6 million of the entire $15 million cost with New York State and the Airport Authority each contributing 5% .

The Airport has already received over $4 million in federal funding to upgrade the existing primary runway and its lighting system.

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