Le Roy Airport Receives Federal Funds for Tree Removal and Lighting

Key Takeaways

• Le Roy Airport secured $256,122 federal funding for tree removal and lighting upgrades in 2025.
• The project removes 8 acres of trees and enhances obstruction lighting per FAA safety mandates.
• Funding is part of a $21 million package supporting 16 New York airports statewide.

Le Roy Airport in Genesee County, New York, will receive $256,122 in federal funding to remove tree obstructions and upgrade lighting, as announced by U.S. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand on July 11, 2025. This project aims to improve safety, meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards, and support the local community by keeping the airport up to date and operational.

Why Le Roy Airport Needs Federal Funding

Le Roy Airport is a privately owned, public-use airport that serves both business and recreational pilots. Over the years, the airport has worked hard to keep its facilities safe and modern. However, trees around the airport have grown tall enough to become obstructions, making it harder for pilots to take off and land safely. The FAA identified these trees as a safety risk, which led to the need for their removal.

The federal funding, part of a larger $21 million package for 16 airports across New York State, will help Le Roy Airport remove about 8 acres of trees and install or improve obstruction lighting. These upgrades are not just about following rules—they are about making sure pilots, passengers, and the surrounding community stay safe.

What the Project Involves

The main focus of the project is tree removal and lighting upgrades. Here’s what will happen:

• Tree Removal: Workers will clear, grub, or selectively remove trees that the FAA has marked as obstructions. This means cutting down trees that block pilots’ views or flight paths, especially during takeoff and landing.
• Obstruction Lighting: The airport will install or improve lights that help pilots see obstacles, especially at night or in bad weather. Good lighting is key for safe airport operations.

The project is expected to start in the second half of 2025. Before work begins, the airport must complete environmental reviews, go through a bidding process to hire contractors, and get all the needed approvals from the FAA and state agencies.

Who Is Involved

Several groups and officials are working together to make this project happen:

• Le Roy Aviation Services, Inc.: This is the airport operator and the main recipient of the grant.
• Federal Aviation Administration (FAA): The FAA provides regulatory oversight and allocates the funding.
• U.S. Department of Transportation: This department helps manage the grant as part of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) Airport Infrastructure Grant (AIG) Program.
• New York State Department of Transportation: The state agency helps coordinate the project at the state level.
• Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand: Both senators played a key role in securing the funding and making the announcement.
• Local Government and Genesee County Legislators: Local officials support the project and help make sure it fits the community’s needs.

How the Funding Works

The $256,122 grant comes from federal sources, mainly through the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program and the IIJA Airport Infrastructure Grant Program. These programs are designed to help airports across the United States 🇺🇸 stay safe, modern, and efficient.

The funding covers the costs of removing the trees and upgrading the lighting. The airport must follow strict rules about how the money is spent, including making sure that a certain percentage of the work goes to businesses owned by disadvantaged groups. For this project, Le Roy Airport has set a 3.6% Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal.

Why Tree Removal and Lighting Matter

Safety is the top reason for this project. Trees that grow too close to runways and flight paths can block pilots’ views, interfere with navigation, and even attract wildlife that could pose a danger to planes. Removing these trees:

• Improves Approach and Departure Safety: Pilots have a clear view when landing or taking off, reducing the risk of accidents.
• Reduces Wildlife Hazards: Fewer trees mean fewer places for birds and animals to gather near the runway.
• Ensures Compliance: The airport must meet FAA safety standards to keep its license and continue operating.

Upgrading lighting is just as important. Good lighting helps pilots see the runway and any obstacles, especially at night or in foggy conditions. This makes flights safer and allows the airport to operate in more types of weather.

What This Means for the Community

Le Roy Airport is more than just a place for planes to land and take off. It’s an important part of the local economy and community. Here’s how the project will help:

• Supports Local Businesses: The airport brings in business travelers and supports local companies that rely on air travel.
• Encourages Recreational Flying: Pilots from around the region use the airport for training and leisure flights.
• Boosts Economic Development: A safe, modern airport attracts new businesses and visitors to the area.
• Protects Jobs: Keeping the airport open and up to date helps protect jobs for airport staff and related businesses.

Ray Detor, the operator of Le Roy Airport, has said that ongoing upgrades like this are essential for the airport’s long-term success. “We need to keep improving our facilities to stay competitive and safe,” Detor explained. “This funding helps us do just that.”

Environmental Considerations

Removing trees can raise concerns about the environment. That’s why the airport must follow all required environmental review processes before starting work. These reviews look at:

• Impact on Local Wildlife: Making sure that removing trees doesn’t harm animals or birds that live nearby.
• Soil and Water Protection: Preventing erosion or pollution during and after the tree removal.
• Replanting or Mitigation: In some cases, the airport may need to plant new trees elsewhere or take other steps to offset the impact.

The FAA and New York State Department of Transportation will oversee these reviews to make sure the project meets all environmental rules.

How the Project Will Be Carried Out

The process for completing the tree removal and lighting upgrades involves several steps:

1. Environmental Review: The airport will complete all necessary environmental assessments as required by the FAA. This step ensures that the project will not harm the local environment or wildlife.
2. Bidding and Contractor Selection: The airport will ask for bids from companies that can do the work. Contractors will be chosen through a fair and open process, with a focus on quality and cost.
3. Project Execution: Once a contractor is selected, the actual work of removing trees and upgrading lighting will begin. FAA and state officials will oversee the work to make sure it meets all standards.
4. Compliance and Reporting: The airport must report on its progress and show that it is meeting all federal and state requirements, including the DBE participation goal.

Policy and Broader Implications

This project is part of a larger push to modernize airports across the United States 🇺🇸. As reported by VisaVerge.com, federal investment in airport infrastructure helps keep air travel safe, efficient, and accessible for everyone. Senator Schumer put it this way: “This $21+ million in federal funding will help airports from Long Island to Buffalo reach new heights.” His statement highlights how important these projects are for both local and state economies.

For Le Roy Airport, the funding is a sign that the federal government values small airports and their role in connecting communities. It also shows that safety and modernization are ongoing priorities, not just one-time efforts.

Background: Le Roy Airport’s Ongoing Efforts

Le Roy Airport has a history of seeking grants and making improvements. In the past, the airport has applied for funding for:

• LED Lighting: To make the airport more energy efficient and reduce costs.
• Solar Panels: To use clean energy and lower the airport’s carbon footprint.
• Electric Vehicle Charging Stations: To support the growing number of electric vehicles.
• ADA Compliance: To make sure the airport is accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

The current tree removal and lighting project is just one part of these broader efforts. The airport has also submitted new grant applications in January 2025 for more energy efficiency and facility upgrades, with decisions expected later this year.

What Comes Next

After the tree removal and lighting upgrades are finished, Le Roy Airport will continue to look for ways to improve. Future projects may include more energy-saving measures, better facilities for pilots and passengers, and new technology to keep the airport at the cutting edge.

The airport’s leadership is committed to making sure Le Roy Airport remains a valuable asset for the community. By working with federal, state, and local partners, they hope to secure more funding and keep improving the airport for years to come.

How to Learn More or Get Involved

If you want to follow the progress of the project or learn more about Le Roy Airport, you can visit the Le Roy Airport official website. For more information about the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, you can check the FAA’s official AIP page.

Community members who have questions or concerns about the project can also reach out to local officials or the airport operator. Public input is an important part of the process, especially when it comes to environmental reviews and community impact.

Practical Guidance for Other Airports

For other small airports facing similar challenges, the Le Roy Airport project offers a useful example. Here are some steps that can help:

• Identify Safety Risks Early: Regular inspections can catch problems like tree obstructions before they become serious.
• Apply for Federal Funding: Programs like the FAA’s AIP and the IIJA Airport Infrastructure Grant can provide the money needed for big projects.
• Work with Local and State Partners: Building strong relationships with government agencies and elected officials can make it easier to get support.
• Follow All Rules and Reviews: Completing environmental and regulatory reviews is essential for getting approval and keeping the community on board.
• Communicate with the Public: Keeping the community informed helps build trust and support for airport projects.

Conclusion: A Safer, Stronger Future for Le Roy Airport

The federal funding for tree removal and lighting at Le Roy Airport is a big step forward for safety, efficiency, and community support. By removing dangerous tree obstructions and upgrading lighting, the airport will be better equipped to serve pilots, passengers, and local businesses. The project also shows how federal, state, and local partners can work together to keep small airports strong and safe.

As Le Roy Airport continues to modernize, it sets an example for other airports across the United States 🇺🇸. With careful planning, community involvement, and ongoing investment, small airports can remain vital parts of their regions for years to come.

Learn Today

FAA → Federal Aviation Administration overseeing safety, regulation, and funding for U.S. airports and air travel.
Tree Removal → The process of cutting or clearing trees obstructing flight paths for airport safety.
Obstruction Lighting → Lights installed on obstacles near airports to improve pilot visibility during low-light conditions.
Airport Improvement Program → A federal grant program funding airport infrastructure projects to enhance safety and operations.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise → A certification encouraging minority and women-owned business participation in federally funded projects.

This Article in a Nutshell

Le Roy Airport received $256,122 federal funding to remove trees and upgrade lighting. This enhances safety by reducing flight hazards and supporting community economic growth. Work begins in late 2025 after environmental reviews, demonstrating federal commitment to maintaining modern, safe small airports across New York State.
— By VisaVerge.com