OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg International Airport is acquiring a new aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle with $712,500 from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The allotment, announced by Congressman Bill Owens’ office and routed through the Federal Aviation Administration and the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, is to replace the 1991 vehicle the airport has been using, which “has reached the end of its useful life,” the DOT said.

“This is great news as we work together to improve facilities at airports around the region,” said Owens.

“As rescue response capability and overall infrastructure is improved in St. Lawrence County, the area will become more attractive to local businesses who are looking to expand and hire locally. I would like to thank Wade Davis and his staff at the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority for their hard work in securing this grant,” said Owens, the incumbent Democrat congressman from Plattsburgh, who is running to remain a representative from the 21st District in northern New York.