Albany, New York (September 11, 2000) - - - Rev. Michael A. Farano, Chairman of the Albany County Airport Authority today announced the receipt of two federal Airport Improvement Program grants totaling $6,318,000. The grant funds represent 90% of the $7.02 million required for two significant projects intended to preserve and enhance the safety and capacity at Albany International Airport.

"Operating and maintaining a safe and efficient airport requires a constant investment in new technology and equipment," said Rev. Farano. "We are most grateful to the elected representatives on the local, state and federal level that have worked to assist the Airport secure these funds that are essential to maintaining our commitment to safety."

The first federal grant of $3,717,579 will allow for the complete rehabilitation of the Airport's primary and connecting taxiways. Callanan Industries of Albany has been designated the prime contractor on the repaving project. All repaving work will be completed during the evening hours and will not impact normal air traffic. The project engineering design team includes DMJM Aviation, Smith and Mahoney PC, and C.T. Male and Associates.

The second Federal grant totaling $2,600,640 supports construction of a new Airport Rescue and Fire Fighting Facility (ARFF). The new headquarters will improve the efficiency and operation of the Airport's 24-hour rescue, hazardous material and emergency medical staff and equipment. The general construction contract has been awarded to Bast Hatfield, Inc. of Clifton Park. The project architect and engineer is Mitchell Ross of Voorheesville.

The total ARFF project cost is $2.9M. The new headquarters will be constructed on the site of Airport's former "C" parking lot located just south of the terminal. The location will allow for improved emergency access to the Airport's parking lots, terminal and road system which account for the majority of the Airport's emergency responses.

Under the established system of matching funds, the State Department of Transportation and the Albany County Airport Authority will each contribute five-percent of the total project cost. Work on both construction projects is scheduled to begin within two weeks with completion within the next year. While the projects are major in scope, public parking and roadway access will not be adversely impacted p.;by these projects.

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