Governor Kathy Hochul announced $10 million in State funding to the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy to support the restoration and reactivation of historic Hangars 3 and 4 at Floyd Bennett Field, according to the Governor’s Office. The State said the grant will help transform the site into a year-round public space for community engagement, including education services, workforce development, technological innovation and park programming.
The Governor’s Office said Floyd Bennett Field, New York’s first municipal airport, is now one of New York City’s largest and most accessible historic open spaces, within reach of 14 million New Yorkers. The State said the project will help preserve this internationally important landmark and expand access to open space, culture and education. The Governor’s Office said the effort will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits for the city and its residents.
Officials said the $10 million supports Phase 1, which will restore the interiors of Hangars 3 and 4 and allow New Yorkers to access the space for affordable public programming as redevelopment moves forward. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York said it will administer the investment.
“Floyd Bennett Field is a true New York treasure,” Governor Hochul said in the announcement, adding that the investment will turn the historic hangars into “a place for learning, opportunity and fun.”
Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said Governor Hochul’s commitment will help bring new activity to the hangars, support workforce development and expand access to educational and community programming. State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said the funding is a meaningful step toward a more accessible and community-friendly Floyd Bennett Field. Assemblymember Jaime Williams said there is still work to be done and called for continuing efforts.
Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy Chairman Tom Secunda said the commitment represents a transformative investment that builds momentum to turn a bold vision into reality. Executive Director Terri Carta said the project, in partnership with the National Park Service, will reimagine the hangars as a destination for arts and culture, education, environmental research and restoration, workforce development and community gathering. CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said Floyd Bennett Field provides an ideal setting for CUNY’s Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay to partner with the National Park Service and the conservancy in pioneering climate solutions.