Jim Moore / June 30, 2026
Southern Tier NY – Sky-high improvements are on the horizon for regional travelers as a massive wave of federal infrastructure investment makes its descent into the Southern Tier.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has officially cleared a combined funding package totaling more than $2 million, specifically targeted to upgrade and fortify two vital aviation hubs in our backyard. The competitive grants aim to streamline terminal logistics, address long-deferred maintenance, and expand overall operational safety as regional air traffic demands continue to climb.
Local transportation advocates say the timing couldn’t be better. For regional economies tucked outside major metropolitan centers, airports act as primary gatekeepers for business attraction, tourism, and essential medical logistics. By modernizing physical facilities, these upgrades ensure local runways remain competitive and resilient against harsh Upstate New York winters.
The multi-million-dollar cash injection will be split directly between two key regional lifelines, paving the way for immediate infrastructure overhauls:
- Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM): Securing the largest piece of the financial pie with a $2.2 million allocation dedicated to rebuilding the terminal building’s roof structure and modernizing underlying building systems to enhance energy efficiency and passenger safety.
- Corning-Painted Post Airport: Snagging a critical portion of the safety funding to bankroll essential airfield maintenance, structural preservation, and perimeter upgrades to support regional corporate transit and general aviation.
By pairing federal infrastructure priorities with grassroots economic development, this latest capital infusion guarantees that local travelers can count on a smoother, safer journey every time they buy a ticket or clear security close to home.
