PLATTSBURGH -- Plattsburgh International Airport will receive an awaited funding boost that will help increase its revenues.

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Other steps are also being taken to improve the 1-year-old airport.

Clinton County will receive $2.375 million from the federal Military Airport Program to design and construct a T-hangar.

The hangar will be used to store aircraft and support general aviation.

"We knew this was in the pipeline, but it's really nice to finally get it," said Legislator Robert Heins (R-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh), who chairs the county's Airport Committee.

"We put in for it last year, but you never know exactly what you are going to get or not going to get."

The county has received more than $40 million from the federal program to design and construct the new airport.

Heins said the new hangar will be rented out to corporations or other jet owners for storage.

"This will help improve our rental income, which we need," Heins said.

Steps are also being taken at the airport to improve the baggage-claim area.

The airport has seen significant traffic the past year, as direct flights to Florida by Allegiant Air and Myrtle Beach, S.C., by Myrtle Beach Direct have proven popular.

But when jets carrying 150 passengers arrive at the airport, the tiny baggage-claim area can be overwhelmed.

"I'm not going to blame anybody, but that was an oversight, and it will be corrected," Heins said.

jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com