Gabreski runway in Westhampton Beach to get fixed with $2.5 million FAA grant

The Federal Aviation Administration has agreed to fund a $2.5 million runway rehabilitation project at Francis S. Gabreski Airport in Westhampton Beach, federal officials said.

The grant will cover resurfacing and repairs on one of the Suffolk County-owned airport's three runways. Gabreski's runway 15/33 is marked by potholes and pavement debris, officials said, and requires daily inspections to fix the potholes and remove debris.

Gabreski is home to the New York Air National Guard's 106th Rescue Wing, which specializes in search-and-rescue operations overseas and within the United States.

Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Rep. Lee Zeldin announced the funding in a news release Tuesday.

Zeldin (R-Shirley) said the grant is "especially necessary" because it supports the 106th Rescue Wing, which he said "plays a crucial role to protect our national security and New York's emergency response capabilities."

Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone called the runway rehabilitation "an important project for an important regional asset."