Schumer Pushes for $4 Million to Upgrade Stewart’s Water and Sewer Systems

Expansion of airport depends on renovation of 80-year-old infrastructure

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) talks to media on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on Oct. 20, 2015. Schumer wants to require the Federal Aviation Administration to establish seat-size standards for commercial airlines, which he says now force passengers to sit on planes "like sardines." AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

NEW WINDSOR—Sen. Charles Schumer arrived at Stewart International Airport on May 23 to announce a push for $4 million in federal investment funds for critical water and sewer infrastructure improvements.

Schumer will ask the federal Economic Development Administration (EDA) to approve funding that would allow the Town of New Windsor, in partnership with the airport and surrounding business community, to upgrade the airport’s 80-year-old water and sewer system.

The federal investment will allow the airport and Orange County to attract new commercial tenants, accommodate more personal and commercial aircraft, expand cargo space, and add 35,000 square feet of terminal space.

“Stewart International Airport has invested millions to improve its facilities and add flights so it can increase passenger and commercial traffic tenfold by 2025,” Schumer said. “But in order to make this a reality, the airport’s ancient water and sewer infrastructure desperately needs to be overhauled.”

There are hotels, business incubators, and companies currently chomping at the bit to develop the land around Stewart and this water infrastructure project is the linchpin in their efforts.

— Sen. Charles Schumer