By DAVID BERTOLA
dbertola@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1621

Two Chautauqua County airports received U.S. Department of Transportation grants totaling $412,300 for equipment and site improvements.

The first grant, awarded to the Jamestown Airport in the amount of $296,400, will provide federal funding to acquire new snow-removal equipment. This includes replacing the current snow plow truck in order to maintain airport safety during adverse weather conditions, as recommended by the airport's 2009 Part 139 Certification Inspection Report.

The Dunkirk Airport will receive $115,900 toward Phase II improvements to the site. The funding will allow for land purchase necessary for the Runway 24 end protection zone. The land expansion will lead to enhanced overall airport security and facilitate runway construction and taxiway extension to Runway 24 to accommodate the business jet aircraft that are based at and fly regularly into the airport.

Both airports also received federal funds in 2009. The Jamestown Airport was awarded $500,000 for Phase II construction, providing security enhancements. The Dunkirk Airport received $3.5 million through the Recovery Act and an additional $1 million requested by Congressman Higgins in the transportation bill for airport improvements.