The Chautauqua County Airport in Jamestown is getting nearly $2 million more for a new fence, pushing the total to more than $5 million.

Rep. Nick Langworthy last week announced an Airport Improvement Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for the Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport in the amount of $1,906,849.

“I’m thrilled to announce this investment that will allow Chautauqua County Jamestown Airport to construct perimeter fencing, enhancing the safety and security of the airport,” Langworthy said. “This airport serves as a vital transportation hub for our community, connecting our region through aviation, and maintaining critical infrastructure will ensure its future operations remain reliable and efficient.”

County officials expressed gratitude for the funds. “This funding is critical to enhance the safety and security of our Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “I’m grateful Congressman Langworthy, and his team, were able to secure this funding which will significantly improve our airport infrastructure for years to come.”

The Chautauqua County Legislature approved accepting the grant in advance. During their August meeting, county lawmakers voted 17-1 in favor of accepting the funds. Legislator Bob Scudder, R-Fredonia, voted against it.

He did not comment why he voted no, however Scudder generally votes against airport grants that require any sort of matching funds or require the airport to be in business for the length of the grant.

According to the resolution, the county and state will each pay $105,936.

In July of 2022, the county legislature accepted an FAA grant of a little more than $3 million for phase I of the fence project. For that grant, the county and state, were each required to pay $167,706.

County Airport Manager Shannon Fischer noted during a committee meeting last month there is a study going on right now to see if the county can support commercial air service. She said this grant has nothing to do with commercial air service. The county said in the past they’ve had problems such as coyotes getting in the airport.

According to the FAA, the Airport Improvement Grant program provides funds for planning and developing public-use airports included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. The funds are used to complete airport infrastructure projects such as safety barriers, runways, taxiways, signage, lighting, and markings.