$401k in FAA grants awarded to Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport
Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport as seen from the air.
ISCHUA — A pair of grants will help with further renovation work at the Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced $313,813 to the city of Olean-owned facility for phase two of a rehabilitation project, focusing on rehabilitating a parking lot and construction of a new lighting system. An additional grant for $87,400 was also announced to improve the terminal building at the airport.
“Investing in our local airports is essential to strengthening our regional infrastructure and economy,” said U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy, R-Pendleton. “I’m proud to support these FAA grants, which will help the Olean Airport make needed upgrades that improve safety, access, and future growth opportunities for our communities.”
The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program has provided millions of dollars in recent years to upgrade the two facilities. In 2024, the city received $255,000 for work to replace the rotating beacon at the airport and for runway and taxiway lighting and signs. Another $137,000 was announced in 2023 for apron repaving, and $955,000 was announced in 2022 for repaving the taxiway.
The grant announcement on Wednesday follows one seven days earlier, which announced $33,250 to reconstruct two gates at the facility.
The grants typically require a 10% state and local share, while the federal government covers 90% of the associated costs.
The Cattaraugus County-Olean Airport, operated by the city in the town of Ischua, opened in 1959. The airport has a 4,800-foot asphalt runway and a 2,100-foot turf runway. In the early years of the facility the airport was home to commercial flights, but those operations ceased in the 1970s.
SBU GETS $594,115
Earlier this week, Langworthy announced the federal Department of Health and Human Services has awarded $594,115 to St. Bonaventure University for a mental and behavioral health education and training program.
“This funding will help train the next generation of professionals who are so urgently needed in our communities,” the congressman said. “Expanding access to care starts with strengthening our workforce, and this grant is a strong step forward.”
HEAD START IN ALLEGANY COUNTY TO RECEIVE $2.7M
Langworthy also announced that Allegany County Community Opportunities and Rural Development has been awarded nearly $2.7 million by HHS for Head Start Projects.
The congressman’s office, in a statement, said Head Start is based on the premise that all children share certain needs and that children of income eligible families can benefit from a comprehensive developmental program to meet those needs. The program maximizes the strengths and unique experiences of each child. The family, which is the principal influence on the child’s development, is a direct participant in the program.
“Head Start programming is essential to families in our community and this funding will ensure children have the best opportunity to learn and be nurtured,” Langworthy stated.