PLATTSBURGH -- Two local airports have been approved for more than $1.7 million in New York State Department of Transportation grant funding.

Lake Placid Airport is to receive $1,089,000.

North Elba Town Supervisor Roby Politi said it was a very welcome announcement.

"That's great, especially with everything that's going on (financially) today."

Politi said $300,000 is for new T-hangars, $288,000 for a new roof and winterization of a block hangar and $501,000 for perimeter fencing to delineate the boundary with nearby athletic fields.

Plattsburgh International Airport is to receive $680,000. That includes $300,000 for snow-removal equipment and $380,000 for perimeter fencing.

The funding was part of more than $20.4 million announced by the State DOT. Most comes from the Renew and Rebuild New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005 and will support infrastructure, security and economic-development projects at 48 public airports.

In a press release, New York Gov. David Paterson said: "The Transportation Bond Act provided vital funding to support a modern, secure aviation system for passenger and cargo travel in New York state. Today's strategic investment in the state's airports is important not only to keep the tourism industry strong and growing but also to provide convenient transportation options that entice businesses to stay in or relocate to New York."

The Rebuild and Renew New York Transportation Bond Act is part of DOT's overall five-year, $17.9 billion capital program to improve the state multi-modal transportation system through 2010.

Funding is still available for fiscal 2009-10.

dheath@pressrepublican.com