Islip Town officials celebrated the opening of the new fire rescue building at Long Island MacArthur Airport.
The new state-of-the-art Fire Rescue Building replaces the 6,000sf structure that dates back to the 1940s. The new space is part of a $13.5M dollar project, 80 percent of which was funded by the federal Airport Improvement Program to comply with new Federal Aviation facility standards.
The remainder of the funds were local and New York State funds. The Airport Improvement Program projects for Long Island MacArthur Airport are supported by Senators Chuck Schumer and Kristen Gillibrand.
“The new Fire Rescue Building is one of many capital projects that improves the airport, said Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter. The airport is an asset to Long Island and the Town, and we must continue to reinvest in this economic asset that produces $600M to the local economy.”
The 21,000sf structure includes 10,000sf of office space, associated apron and vehicle parking area that accommodates 21 full-time airport fire rescue personnel who provide services 24/7.
The design of the building provides for modest growth of the department and airport capability needs for the future. Due to the recent increase in the frequency and size of aircraft operating at ISP, the staffing for FAA Index C certification standards have increase from 3 people per shift to 4.
The new five garage bay structure is significantly taller and wider than the existing facility in order to accommodate two new Oshkosh fire and rescue vehicles being purchased by the airport through Passenger Facility Funds.
“Over the years, manufacturers have changed fire and rescue vehicle technology and size to improve level of stability and firefighting capabilities,” said Shelley LaRose-Arken.
The new facility contains a highly integrated communication, access control and surveillance system, visually artistic exterior bay doors with rapid opening mechanisms, a backup generator for 90 percent of the building’s needs, dormitory for 24 hour operations and shifts, classrooms for training, secured wildlife closets, storage for personnel protective equipment, new security fencing, and cold water and foam refill systems. The lighting and HVAC systems in the building are energy efficient. Lighting for the building is 100% LED. The garage bays are heated by infrared systems to keep utility costs lower.
As part of the airport’s emergency plan, the building serves as a staging area in the event of an accident. The new location of the building provides a clear view of the airfield for quicker response.
“These types of projects and related equipment will improve the airport’s ability to enhance safety and improve the level of emergency response to the traveling public and tenants who choose to use Long Island MacArthur Airport,” said Supervisor Carpenter.
