Gabreski Runway to Be Refurbished With Grant Money

Gabreski Airport, which has deteriorated in recent years, will soon be refurbished with the help of a federal grant.

The $950,00 grant, which was secured by U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, U.S. Rep. Tim Bishop, and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, will also go toward the purchase of new snowplow equipment.

According to the officials, the airport's 40-year-old snow removal machinery has reached the end of its life and in order to operate at full capacity in the future, a new rotary snowplow will be purchased.

The plow, officials said, will be useful in removing 3- to 4-foot-high snow banks on the runway, which can form through just a 1- to 2-inch snowfall.

Discussing the airport's runway, which is also used by the Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, officials said it has deteriorated to a point where simple fixes can no longer be done — but a refurbishment will extend the runway's life by 20 years.

"This federal investment will help improve Gabreski Airport, which is an asset to Long Island’s local economy,” Schumer said.

Bishop added, "Gabreski Airport is not only a powerful engine for the local economy, it’s a key component of our homeland security. These federal investments will equip Gabreski for decades of reliable and efficient service in its dual commercial-military role.