Buffalo, NY – Assemblymember Jon Rivera, Assemblymember Patrick Chludzinski and representatives from Senator April Baskin’s office today announced a push to include $250 million in funding for a third round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition in the New York State Assembly’s one-house budget proposal, ensuring Western New York airports have a fair opportunity to compete for critical state infrastructure investment.

The first two rounds of the state’s airport revitalization initiative delivered major capital funding to 11 upstate airports but excluded both Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport, despite Buffalo being the busiest upstate airport, handling approximately 60 percent more passenger traffic than its nearest competitor.

Together, Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport generate approximately $1.7 billion in annual economic activity, support nearly 14,000 jobs, and produce $139 million in annual state and local tax revenue. Maintaining and expanding airport operations requires sustained capital investment, yet state support has lagged behind peer facilities across upstate New York.

Between 2013 and 2023, the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority invested $220 million in capital improvements across both airports. During that period, only $15 million (roughly five percent) came from New York State, while the NFTA contributed $72 million of its own funds, accounting for one-third of total project costs. Meanwhile, airports in other regions benefited from significant state investments through the revitalization competition.

The Assemblymembers noted that this funding imbalance creates an uneven playing field that can drive up operating costs and contribute to higher ticket prices for Western New York travelers compared to similarly sized upstate markets.

Reestablishing this competitive grant program, they said, is about economic opportunity, and that Western New York deserves access to the same tools that have helped other regions modernize their airports, attract new service, and strengthen local economies.

If included in the final enacted state budget, the third round of funding would allow Buffalo and Niagara Falls airports to compete for long-overdue capital investments aimed at modernizing facilities, enhancing safety and efficiency, and supporting continued economic growth throughout the region.

Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera said, “Western New York’s airports are among the strongest economic engines in our region, yet they have been left out of a program specifically designed to strengthen upstate aviation infrastructure. Including funding for a third round of this competition will finally allow Buffalo and Niagara Falls to compete on equal footing and secure the investments needed to grow our regional economy, improve the passenger experience, and keep air travel affordable for local families.”

Sen. April N.M. Baskin said, “Buffalo Niagara International Airport is by far the busiest Upstate airport, yet Western New York has been completely excluded from a program that has transformed aviation infrastructure across the rest of Upstate. Our airports support nearly 14,000 jobs, and generate $139 million in tax revenue every year. That kind of impact deserves the opportunity to compete for investment. A third round of funding is about equity, smart infrastructure investment, and ensuring Western New York travelers are not paying more simply because our region was left out. It’s time to give Western New York the runway it deserves.”

Assemblyman Patrick Chludzinski said, “The Buffalo Niagara International Airport and the Niagara Falls International Airport face the same revenue challenges and capital and infrastructure needs as every other upstate airport while supporting significantly higher passenger traffic.As critically important gateways to Western New York, and major drivers of our regional economy, they deserve an equal opportunity to compete for the resources necessary to meet their needs and improve their operations.”

NFTA Director of Aviation Johanne Jayaratne said, “Both the Buffalo and Niagara Falls International Airports are major economic engines for the region and generate $1.7 billion in annual economic activity. Travelers love our airports, and that is why we are continuously recognized in the top 5 in J.D. Power’s Customer Satisfaction rankings. This is why operational efficiency and the ability to continuously upgrade is so important. Investing in our airports is investing in Western New York’s economic future, and I applaud our state legislators and NYAMA for their continued advocacy and support. When airports thrive, local businesses thrive.”