Governor Hochul Announces $10 Million to Support the Redevelopment of Historic Hangars 3 and 4 at Floyd Bennett Field

Governor Kathy Hochul today 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. The State grant will assist in the continued transformation of the historic aviation hub into a year-round public space for community engagement which will include education services, workforce development, technological innovation and park programming.

"Floyd Bennett Field is a true New York treasure. It was once a place where legends like Amelia Earhart took to the skies, and today it's where families come to explore, play and connect with nature," Governor Hochul said. "With this $10 million investment, we are turning these historic hangars into a place for learning, opportunity and fun. As a mom, I want every family in this city to be able to enjoy this iconic place well into the future."

As New York's first municipal airport that was once a globally recognized hub of aviation innovation, Floyd Bennett Field is now one of New York City's largest and most accessible historic open spaces, within reach of 14 million New Yorkers. The State's $10 million investment in Phase 1 will restore the interior of Hangars 3 and 4 and allow New Yorkers to access the space for affordable public programming as the redevelopment process moves forward. The State grant will also help preserve this internationally important landmark and expand access to open space, culture and education. The project will deliver economic, social and environmental benefits for the city and its residents.

Dormitory Authority of the State of New York President and CEO Robert J. Rodriguez said, "The redevelopment of Floyd Bennett Field is an opportunity to preserve an important piece of New York's history while investing in its future. Governor Hochul's commitment will help bring new activity to these historic hangars, support workforce development and expand access to educational and community programming. DASNY is proud to administer this investment and help advance a project that will create new opportunities and strengthen the surrounding community."

State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud said, "Floyd Bennett Field is a special place in our community, and I am excited about what the State's $10 million investment will add to the ongoing restoration of this vast space. This state funding, in addition to what was given before, is a meaningful step toward a more accessible and community-friendly Floyd Bennett Field, where everyone can come together and enjoy its rich history. I thank Governor Hochul for recognizing the value of Floyd Bennett Field, a federal property in Senate District 19, and for her dedication to investing state funds to improve it."

Assemblymember Jaime Williams said, "I am pleased to see this significant investment in restoring Floyd Bennett Field and creating new opportunities for education, community programs, and recreation. There is still much work to be done, and now is the time to roll up our sleeves and get to work."

Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy Chairman Tom Secunda said, "This $10 million commitment from Governor Hochul represents a transformative investment in the future of Floyd Bennett Field and Jamaica Bay. Restoring Hangars 3 and 4 is an ambitious undertaking, and investments of this scale build the momentum needed to turn a bold vision into reality. We are deeply grateful to Governor Hochul and New York State for recognizing the extraordinary potential of this project and for helping create a place that will serve New Yorkers for generations to come."

Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy Executive Director Terri Carta said, "Floyd Bennett Field is one of New York City's great treasures-a remarkable place where history, nature and community come together at the edge of Jamaica Bay. Governor Hochul's extraordinary $10 million investment brings us significantly closer to realizing the full potential of this special place. As part of Gateway National Recreation Area, Floyd Bennett Field offers possibilities found nowhere else in New York. In partnership with the National Park Service, JBRPC is reimagining historic Hangars 3 and 4 as a new destination for people to experience, learn from and care for Jamaica Bay - through arts and culture, education, environmental research and restoration, workforce development, and community gathering. We are tremendously grateful to Governor Hochul for investing in its future."

CUNY Chancellor Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, "As one of New York's historic coastal treasures, 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 Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy in pioneering climate solutions. We are grateful to Governor Hochul for her $10 million state investment to help reactivate Hangars 3 and 4 into New York's next great gathering place for science, education and public discovery."