State Senator Joseph Griffo has announced $800,000 in funding for Griffiss International Airport.

$500,000 will be used to support the transformation of a hangar at the airport into a one of a kind, year-round indoor drone experimentation environment.

The "Sky Dome” will support the development of drone technologies to operate safely and securely in the National Air Space.

The funding is in addition to the previously announced $450,000 from the 2018-19 state budget that helps with base retention and redevelopment.

Another $300,000  will be used for a UAS mobile operations center at the airport.

“It is important that we continue to position ourselves to take advantage of any opportunities in emerging industries such as unmanned aerial systems,” Sen. Griffo said. “This funding will help us to do that by providing essential resources that will help with the development of drone technology in our region and will enhance Griffiss International Airport. It is my hope that we continue to make significant investments into developing this technology and our airport so that we can remain competitive with other sites across the country.”

Griffo was joined at the announcement by Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Oneida County Aviation Commissioner Chad Lawrence, Rome Mayor Jacqueline Izzo and CNY Defense Alliance Executive Director Mary Carol Chruscicki.

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