Jeremy Martelle, Nyama President and CHA Regional Manager, Advocates for Increased Airport Funding at Transportation Budget Hearing

ALBANY – Jeremy Martelle, CHA Consulting’s Regional Manager of Aviation and New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) President testified at a New York State Hearing on Transportation held in Albany. Mr. Martelle advocated for $40 million to fund the State Aviation Capital Grant program and a minimum of $6 million to fund the Airport Improvement Program’s (AIP) matching fund requirements. He stressed the importance of aviation industry in the New York State economy, stating the industry’s contribution of over $50 billion in annual economic activity and its employment of about 400,000 residents.

NYAMA seeks State Aviation Capital Grant Program funding of $200 million—$40 million per year—over the next five years to address critical airport infrastructure improvements and development. NYAMA also calls for funding the state AIP by a minimum of $6 million in the next fiscal year budget to maximize federal funds that could be available for New York airport projects.

“The cost of addressing the growing needs of the overall transportation system is great, but will only increase if we delay action. New York State must invest now in effective aviation infrastructure programs or face much higher, perhaps prohibitive, prices later, when decay has made the challenges far worse,” said Martelle.

Mr. Martelle cited New York’s positive investments to modernize and revitalize several downstate airports, including LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International, Republic and Stewart International Airports. He encouraged the state to consider targeted investments in smaller commercial, general aviation and other airports across the state. 

“NYAMA and its members look forward to continuing to work with our other state elected officials to enhance our airports and aviation assets in ways that create new jobs, increase economic development and improve airport services so that all regions of New York can compete effectively with other states for business aviation and scheduled commercial service for the benefit of all New York’s citizens,” Martelle concluded.

CHA Consulting, Inc. is a highly diversified, full-service engineering and construction management firm providing a wide range of planning and design services to public, private and institutional clients. With more than 1,000 technical personnel and 40 offices, CHA offers engineering, architectural, survey, construction, and other services necessary to complete projects on time and within budget. For more information, please visitwww.chasolutions.com. 

NYAMA is a non-profit association of aviation professionals with members from New York State airports, State government agencies, planning boards, consultants, engineers, equipment manufacturers, and education facilities. NYAMA is devoted to promoting airport development and representing the needs of the entire aviation industry.

Contact: 
Mike DeVoy
Senior Vice President, CHA Aviation Market Leader
(800) 321-6959
mdevoy@chasolutions.com