ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – Improvements are coming to the Ithaca Tompkins International Airport, courtesy of Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand.

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport has received $1.5 million in federal aid for a new multi-use building that will house Airport Rescue and all the firefighting and snow removal equipment. It will replace the current facility and have enough room to secure all emergency response and snow removal vehicles.

“This major federal investment will bring the region’s tourist economy to new heights, with upgraded infrastructure to help the Southern Tier soar,” said Senator Schumer.

The funding is part of more than $18 million the senators secured in congressionally directed spending requests for projects in the Southern Tier.

“I’m proud to have fought to secure this funding, and I’ll continue to work tirelessly to make sure the Southern Tier’s families, workers, and businesses have what they need to thrive,” said Senator Gillibrand.