OGDENSBURG -- Ogdensburg International Airport’s new $287,000 Automated Weather Observation System (AWOS) is now operational, which OBPA officials say is “enhancing safety for pilots and the general public.”

AWOS provides “continuous, automated, real time information and weather reports on airport conditions,” OBPA said.

“The new AWOS system will provide pilots that use our airport the most accurate, up to date weather information that will continue to make our air travel public as safe as possible,” Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Chairman Vernon “Sam” Burns said in a prepared statement.

“It is wonderful to have state of the art equipment installed at OGS. The newest version of the AWOS, Automated Weather Observation System provides even more information to airport users and the FAA,” airport manager Stephanie L. Saracco said in a prepared statement.

OBPA Executive Director Wade A. Davis in a news release thanked Inspector Chris Walker, “who commissioned the AWOS system today during the government shutdown, without pay, in -10F weather and thank you to our elected officials including Congresswoman Stephanik and U.S. Senators Schumer and Gillibrand for the FAA funding that made this weather safety system possible. “We are extremely grateful for this new system which provides increased safety and reliability for aircraft operations at OGS.”

“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I would like to thank our federal representatives for providing their continued support of the Ogdensburg International Airport,” Burns said in the news release. “We are grateful for the interest that Senator Chuck Schumer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik have taken in our airport and agency. Special thanks go to FAA Inspector Mr. Chris Walker who is on federal furlough and still stood out in the cold North Country air to ensure that this system worked properly.”