ROME – Griffiss International Airport is set to purchase a new snow plow thanks to a federal grant, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney announced Tuesday.

A grant of $440,098 has been awarded through the federal Department of Transportation. The federal funds will be used to acquire a replacement snow plow to keep the airport serviceable during snow periods, and to aid in the airport’s efficiency and safety operations, according to Tenney.

“As an important regional asset, Griffiss International Airport has been a key contributor in helping to grow our local economy in the Utica-Rome area,” Tenney said in a news release. “Funds from this grant will allow Griffiss to acquire new snow removal equipment, further improving the airport's ability to handle Upstate weather conditions and better maintain the integrity of the airport’s infrastructure.”

According to Tenney, since her Congressional term began, the federal government has invested more than $9 million at Griffiss International Airport.