$350M program to help increase fire safety in upstate airports

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- A new $350M grant program was announced Wednesday to help upstate New York airports dispose of firefighting foam that has polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in it. The grant also looks to decontaminate equipment and transition to alternative foams to protect New York water supplies and boost public health and firefighter safety.

“Over the last few years, we have taken aggressive steps on the sustainability front at our airport to ensure we’re doing our part to protect our environment,” said Phil Calderone, CEO at Albany International Airport. “The successful disposal and replacement of airport firefighting foam containing PFAs is an important step in protecting our brave first responders, community, and environment for generations. I commend Senate Majority Leader Schumer for his steadfast leadership on this important issue and look forward to our continued partnership as we work towards our sustainability goals at ALB.”

The bill allowed up to $350M for the replacement program and $30M specifically to replace aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles at eligible airports without F3 capabilities.

“The Syracuse Hancock International Airport thanks Senator Schumer for ensuring the new FAA bill includes important provisions that will help airports transition away from PFAS-containing firefighting foam.  For decades, the federal government has mandated that U.S. airports use firefighting foams containing PFAS.  Now that PFAS-free alternatives are available, we appreciate the recognition from Congress that the federal government should now assist airports in their efforts to transition to safer alternatives.  The new FAA bill will, for the first time, authorize funding for airports to purchase fluorine-free firefighting foam and equipment, as well as to clean their old equipment and vehicles to handle the new foam.  It also will direct the FAA to develop a National Transition Plan for Airports that will serve as a roadmap for the industry during this transition period.  We look forward to working with Sen. Schumer and the rest of our congressional delegation to ensure these programs are fully funded in appropriations this year,” said Jason Terreri, Executive Director, of Syracuse Regional Airport Authority.