Schroon Lake’s airport, which according to locals only gets used by “a handful of pilots”, will get $657,000 for the application of new asphalt and striping on the runway.

The funds will come from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration and is based on efforts by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

The announcement was made last Friday. Massena International-Richards Field Airport will receive $39,273 in federal funding to make security enhancements.

The upgrades will help maintain the runway structure and minimize the risk of foreign debris, a news release said.

From the official press release:

“With this funding, the Schroon Lake and Massena International-Richards Field airports will be able to make the structural and security upgrades these airports need to ensure passenger safety and the smooth operation of their facilities,” Schumer said in a statement.

“Airport safety should always be a top priority,” said Gillibrand said. “These federal dollars will help support infrastructure upgrades to improve these North Country airports, ensuring better, safer service for the thousands of New Yorkers they serve per year.”

In a release from Rep. Bill Owens, Schroon Lake Town Supervisor Michael Marnell said that airports are expensive to maintain. “Without federal funding, we never could keep it up, but it’s a great asset for the community to have when people want it, whether for business and recreation.”

The money is part of the Airport Improvement Program and is administered by DOT’s Federal Aviation Administration.