By CaraLynn Caulfield
Long Island’s two key regional airports — MacArthur Airport in Islip and Republic Airport in East Farmingdale — are receiving over $9 million in federal infrastructure funding, part of a broader $21 million package awarded to 16 airports across New York State.
The funding was announced jointly by U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, and Congressman Andrew Garbarino (R-Patchogue), with allocations aimed at strengthening airport safety, operations, and infrastructure.
At Long Island MacArthur Airport, $3 million will fund significant security upgrades, including the installation of a new eight-foot perimeter fence topped with barbed wire and a state-of-the-art camera system. The improvements will span roughly seven miles of fencing and are expected to be completed within eight months. The upgrades will not interfere with airport operations.
“This is a hardening of the system,” said Rob Schneider, Islip’s aviation commissioner. “It’s about keeping our airfields safe and secure for the future.” MacArthur served nearly 1.4 million passengers last year, an increase from 1.2 million the year before.
Meanwhile, Republic Airport is receiving over $6.5 million to complete two major projects: the reconstruction of an aging airfield gate and the rehabilitation of more than 5,000 feet of runway. These improvements aim to extend the life of airport infrastructure and enhance operational safety.
The grants come through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program and reflect a coordinated push by federal lawmakers to invest in regional aviation.
“Our regional airports are gateways for commerce, tourism, and connectivity,” said Schumer. “This $21+ million will help New York’s airports—from Long Island to Buffalo—reach new heights.”
Gillibrand, who serves as the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Transportation Subcommittee, added that the investments will “deliver critical safety and infrastructure upgrades while enhancing reliability and comfort” for travelers statewide.
Garbarino, who directly secured the Long Island-specific funds, emphasized the long-term benefits: “These upgrades will make our airports safer and more efficient, supporting jobs and travel for the region.”
According to the lawmakers, the funding will ensure that airports across the state—including those in urban, suburban, and rural areas—remain competitive, resilient, and safe for the future.