Syracuse, NY – The city’s plans for a new neighborhood following the demolition of Interstate 81 and upgrades at Syracuse Hancock International Airport have received a major boost with the signing of a federal funding bill by President Donald Trump.

The $1. 2 trillion spending package was approved by the House in a 217-214 vote, effectively ending a partial government shutdown that began on Saturday.

Included in the package are funds specifically allocated by members of Congress for community projects, including $850,000 for the airport. These funds will be used to replace the airport’s outdated baggage handling equipment from the 1980s.

The new $100 million baggage handling system will feature high-speed conveyors to increase capacity and expedite the delivery of luggage to travelers.

This system is part of a larger $1. 2 billion renovation and expansion project at the airport, which also includes plans for a terminal expansion with 19 new gates, a new parking garage, and a direct route from the garage to the TSA security checkpoint.

Originally built in 1949, the airport completed a $28. 4 million construction project last year that expanded the North Concourse, adding new seating and concession areas.

This funding was pushed for by U. S. Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, along with Representative John Mannion, D-Geddes.

In addition, the funding package also includes $850,000 for the Syracuse Housing Authority’s project to revitalize the East Adams neighborhood, one of the city’s poorest communities, which will be impacted by the demolition of I-81.

The city’s plans for this area include creating a walkable community with new housing, shops, parks, and gardens. This funding, advocated for by Mannion, will cover the planning and predevelopment costs for the project.

This funding comes as a relief after a major setback for the project’s finances last year, when a $30 million grant for the East Adams project was canceled by House Republicans in a bill to implement President Trump’s domestic agenda.

This grant would have funded the construction of new streets, parks, bike paths, lighting, sidewalks, trees, and recreation areas as part of the larger project to replace public housing with market-rate and affordable homes.