Westchester Airport, Bee-Line Getting Federal Funds

WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — The Westchester County Airport and the Bee-Line Bus System will be getting federal funds from the emergency funding package. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced Friday more than $23.6 million in federal money from the Federal Aviation Administration will be going to the Westchester County Airport in White Plains.

An additional $30.1 million will be given to the the Bee-Line Bus System for Westchester County.

Schumer said Westchester was one of the first communities in the country to be impacted by the coronavirus and has been struck hard by it.

"This federal funding will offset the devastating financial impacts that the pandemic has had on the Westchester County Airport and the Bee-Line, equipping them with the tools needed to properly rebuild and recover after the crisis is over," he said. "I'm proud to have fought for the funding to be included in the CARES Act, which will boost Westchester County and the New York economy."

County Executive George Latimer thanked Schumer and Gillibrand for the critical transportation funding.

"The continue support of Westchester County's transportation hubs is crucial, as our residents and businesses are facing unprecedented challenges resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic," he said.

Westchester County Airport was built in 1942 as an Air National Guard station to protect New York City during WWII. The airport served more than 1.5 million passengers in 2019 and was expected to exceed that number in 2020 before the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted the airline industry. The funding from the FAA will be used to ensure employee retention and make improvements to ensure the airport operates safely and follows public health requirements for distancing and cleaning.

The Bee-Line bus system serves over 27 million passengers annually, and with 65 percent of all Westchester County residents within walking distance to a Bee-Line route, the service plays an essential role in the Westchester County economy. The funding from the Federal Transit Administration can be used to cover operating expenses, such as driver salaries, fuel and personal protective equipment and supplies.