CONGRESSMAN PAT RYAN AND DEPUTY SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION POLLY TROTTENBERG HIGHLIGHT INVESTMENTS AT NEW YORK STEWART INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, HOST ROUNDTABLE WITH LOCAL LEADERS ON OPPORTUNITIES TO EXPAND HUDSON VALLEY TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS
Congressman Pat Ryan and Deputy Secretary of Transportation Trottenberg Highlight Investments at New York Stewart International Airport, Host Roundtable with Local Leaders on Opportunities to Expand Hudson Valley Transportation Systems
Ryan brought DOT Dep. Sec. Trottenberg to Stewart Airport for a roundtable with airport representatives, local government officials, and business and labor leaders to discuss expanding federal investments at Stewart Airport and other regional transportation systems
Just last month, to meet the growing demand for General Aviation, Ryan joined Sky Harbour and Aviation Facilities Company in announcing plans to build 15 new hangars at Stewart, including dedicated space for the Red Tail Flight Academy
NEW WINDSOR, NY – Today, Congressman Pat Ryan brought Department of Transportation (DOT) Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg to New York Stewart International Airport, alongside Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, to highlight both ongoing and future investment opportunities at Stewart. Ryan and Trottenberg then hosted a roundtable with airport representatives, local government officials, and business and labor leaders, focused on new and creative partnerships to expand Hudson Valley transportation systems. Congressman Ryan has long fought for increased services at Stewart Airport, and just last month, joined the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in announcing the development of 15 new hangars, including dedicated space for the Red Tail Flight Academy, a Tuskegee Airmen-inspired program that aims to develop a pipeline for underrepresented people of color into the aviation sector by providing dynamic youth aviation and mentor programs
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law unlocked billions of dollars to revitalize our transportation infrastructure, and create thousands of good-paying jobs along the way. I’m pushing every day to deliver those dollars and jobs right here, not just to Stewart but across the entire Hudson Valley,” said Congressman Pat Ryan. “The impact of these investments doesn’t end at the airport terminal – they stimulate economic growth for the entire region. Alongside Deputy Secretary Trottenberg and everyone who joined us today, we’re building on the millions of dollars we’ve already secured for Stewart to chart the course for new and creative partnerships, like those with the Red Tails Flight Academy, to create new jobs and expand transportation options across the region.”
“The Biden Administration and USDOT are proud to support Stewart Airport and the Hudson Valley with crucial federal investments, thanks to the president’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,” said USDOT Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg. “I thank Congressman Ryan for his leadership and look forward to hearing from community leaders about how we can leverage transportation investment to spur job growth and economic opportunities. The Biden Administration looks forward to forging a deeper partnership with Congressman Ryan and other leaders in the Hudson Valley.”
“Transportation is key, especially when it comes to economic development and public safety,” said Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus. “I look forward to working with Congressman Ryan and our partners as we continue to improve access to transportation in Orange County.”
“In my conversations with residents, expanding access to efficient and reliable public transportation consistently comes up as an issue that is top of mind,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger. “I thank Congressman Ryan for organizing this opportunity for local leaders to speak to Deputy Secretary Trottenberg and to share ideas with one another about the needs of our region.”
“We share Congressman Ryan’s enthusiasm for additional investment at New York Stewart that will generate economic activity and spur job creation at the airport and across the Hudson Valley,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “The Port Authority looks forward to continue working with Congressman Ryan and USDOT to realize New York Stewart’s full potential that would benefit not only New York, but the entire region.”
“Transportation consistently ranks as one of the top three concerns among employers, job seekers, and local governments in the Hudson Valley,” said Adam Bosch, president and CEO of Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress. “I want to thank Congressman Ryan for bringing federal transportation officials to the Hudson Valley to learn from our challenges, our opportunities, and to consider some of the emerging models of transportation management that are helping to connect people with their jobs and other key destinations.”
“It’s important that Congressman Ryan is bringing resources of the highest level to the Hudson Valley and what that can mean for our future aviation program development,” said Glendon Fraser, Board President at the RedTail Flight Academy.
“The monumental federal investments that we’ve seen at Stewart and in our regional transportation systems have been an extra shot in the arm to our local economy,” said Mike Oates, President and CEO of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation. “Thank you to Congressman Ran and Deputy Secretary Trottenberg, with today’s conversation, we’re strengthening the continued partnership that will help our local businesses and the Hudson Valley economy continue to thrive.”
"Today’s visit by Congressman Ryan and DOT Deputy Secretary Trottenberg to Stewart Airport underscores the tremendous potential for growth and innovation in our transportation systems,” said Heather Bell, President and CEO of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce and Chair of Stewart Air Service Development Committee. “With over $8.7 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law already invested in Stewart Airport, we are seeing firsthand how these funds are transforming our infrastructure and creating good-paying jobs. Congressman Ryan’s relentless advocacy ensures that these vital investments extend beyond the airport, fostering economic development throughout our region. Together, we are paving the way for new and creative partnerships that will enhance transportation options and stimulate sustained economic growth across Hudson Valley."
Ryan’s roundtable conversation with Deputy Secretary Trottenberg included Stewart Airport representatives, Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus, leaders from the Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess Chambers of Commerce, the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation, the Hudson Valley Building and Construction Trades Council, Pattern for Progress, the Mid-Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, the office of Senator James Skoufis, and Assemblymembers Chris Eachus and Karl Brabanec, among others.
Today’s roundtable builds on Congressman Ryan’s commitment to delivering affordable, safe transportation options for Hudson Valley families and creating good-paying, quality union jobs for Hudson Valley workers.
Stewart Airport has received $25.6 million in federal funding since Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 from the DOT’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP) that is funding multiple runway rehabilitations at the airport, and $6,461,017 in COVID-19 Relief. Stewart Airport also received $8,705,464 in BIL Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG). Stewart recently announced it is receiving a $119 million private investment to construct 15 new hangars at the airport. In February, Breeze Airways began flights to and from Stewart Airport and has already announced the launch of service to Fort Myers (RSW), scheduled to begin in October.
The RedTail Flight Academy (RFA) is a Tuskegee Airmen-inspired program that aims to develop a pipeline for underrepresented people of color into the aviation sector by providing dynamic youth aviation & mentor programs. The 14 CFR Part 141 program will be primarily focused on the need to increase diversity within the aviation industry by offering scholarships to program entrants. As of last year, 30 Hudson Valley students have been awarded over $300,000 in scholarships by the Red Tail Flight Academy, and over 900 students of color and underrepresented talent have been mentored for over 400 hours annually. Congressman Ryan has been a longtime partner of the RedTail Flight Academy, joining them last year for their 25th Annual Tuition Assistance Awards Dinner in Montgomery.
Congressman Ryan has successfully secured major BIL investments for the Hudson Valley, including the historic $21.7 million RAISE grant awarded by the DOT to revitalize the Kingston waterfront as well as $600,000 in Safe Streets and Roads for All grants awarded by the DOT to Warwick and Goshen to improve pedestrian safety. Ryan is a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He recently successfully forced an indefinite pause on the MTA’s congestion pricing plan, demanding that MTA services and infrastructure be significantly improved. In December, he secured $4.75 Million in federal funding for safety and infrastructure improvements at Hudson Valley Regional and Orange County Airports.
Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg has overseen the administration of significant portions of the Biden Administration’s historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that will overhaul the country’s infrastructure and create countless, quality union jobs across the country. She has also overseen the implementation of extensive airline consumer protection rules that will safeguard airline customers from junk fees and poor service. Deputy Secretary Trottenberg temporarily served as Acting Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration in 2023 and previously served as New York City’s Transportation Commissioner.
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