Representative Nick LaLota announces more than two million dollars in federal funding to support critical upgrades at Suffolk County airports

Hauppauge, New York – Suffolk County will receive a major boost in federal support for its aviation infrastructure, thanks to more than $2 million in grants announced by Representative Nick LaLota. The funding, provided through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Infrastructure Grants program, will finance safety and efficiency upgrades at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach and Elizabeth Field on Fishers Island.

For LaLota, the investment represents not just an improvement in local facilities but also a meaningful return for Long Island taxpayers. “This is a major win for Suffolk County. Francis S. Gabreski Airport and Elizabeth Field are vital to our region’s transportation network, economy, and public safety. These investments will enhance safety, create jobs, and strengthen the infrastructure that keeps our communities connected and secure,” said the congressman. “Long Islanders have notoriously paid more in taxes to Washington than we get back so it’s important we see an appropriate return in the form of federal infrastructure improvements. I’ll continue fighting to ensure Long Island receives the federal resources it needs and deserves.”

Improvements at Gabreski Airport

The largest portion of the funding—$1,163,000—will support the third phase of the air traffic control tower reconstruction at Francis S. Gabreski Airport. This phase includes site development, roofing installation, pavement improvements, tree removal, and interior finishing work. Officials say these upgrades are necessary to ensure the facility meets modern safety and operational standards.

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Gabreski Airport is far more than a local transportation hub. It is home to both civilian and military operations, including the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing. That dual role makes the airport a critical resource not only for travelers but also for emergency response missions.

Earlier this year, the airport’s importance was underscored when wildfires spread through Long Island’s East End. As the Pine Barrens fire threatened communities near Westhampton Beach, the 106th Rescue Wing quickly mobilized. Using both ground crews and air support, they played a decisive role in containing the fire and protecting nearby neighborhoods. The reconstruction project will help ensure that Gabreski Airport remains ready for similar emergencies in the future.

Elizabeth Field Upgrades

Elizabeth Field on Fishers Island will receive $924,459 to complete the final phase of a runway and lighting system reconstruction project. The improvements include rebuilding the runway end identifier lights system for two runways, rehabilitating existing runway lighting, and replacing outdated airfield signage.

These upgrades are aimed at addressing systems that have reached the end of their useful life. Once complete, the project will significantly improve visibility and safety at the airport, while also extending the operational lifespan of its facilities.

Elizabeth Field holds special significance for Fishers Island, a community that relies heavily on reliable transportation links. The airport provides critical access not only for residents and businesses but also for emergency services, which depend on safe air travel in times of crisis. Enhancing the airport’s lighting and runway systems will make a tangible difference for those who count on it most.

Local Impact and Broader Significance

The infusion of federal dollars arrives at a time when many regional airports across the country face challenges in maintaining and modernizing infrastructure. For Suffolk County, the funding will translate directly into jobs, improved safety, and strengthened transportation links.

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Beyond the immediate upgrades, the grants also reflect a broader federal commitment to supporting smaller airports, which often play outsized roles in regional economies and emergency response networks. By securing funding for both Gabreski Airport and Elizabeth Field, LaLota and federal partners are ensuring that Suffolk County remains well-positioned to meet the needs of residents, businesses, and first responders.

Looking Forward

With construction projects scheduled to move ahead, local leaders expect the improvements to be completed in phases over the coming months. Residents may notice temporary disruptions during periods of active construction, but officials emphasize that the long-term benefits will outweigh any short-term inconveniences.

For Suffolk County, the federal investment represents more than new roofs, lights, or pavement. It is a commitment to keeping communities connected, safeguarding public safety, and reinforcing the role of aviation as a backbone of regional infrastructure. As LaLota emphasized, ensuring that Long Island gets its fair share of federal support will remain a top priority.