New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has announced a $10 million state grant to support restoration of Hangars 3 and 4 at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn, with plans to turn the former airport buildings into spaces for education, workforce development, technological innovation and recreation.
The grant will go to the Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy and support the first phase: restoring the hangars’ interiors and opening the spaces for affordable programming as redevelopment continues.
Floyd Bennett Field, part of Gateway National Recreation Area, was New York City’s first municipal airport and is now one of the city’s largest open spaces. The Dormitory Authority of the State of New York will administer the funding.
“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,” said Gov. Hochul. “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.”
The investment connects Brooklyn’s aviation history with community needs. Floyd Bennett Field was an internationally recognized center of aviation innovation, associated with pioneering aviators including Amelia Earhart.
Its redevelopment aims to preserve that history while expanding access to cultural, educational and recreational opportunities. The project is intended to deliver economic, social and environmental benefits to nearby communities.
Plans for Hangars 3 and 4 include arts and cultural activities, environmental research and restoration, climate education, workforce training and community gatherings. The Jamaica Bay-Rockaway Parks Conservancy is working with the National Park Service.
The City University of New York’s Science and Resilience Institute at Jamaica Bay is also a partner in developing science and education opportunities focused on climate solutions.
The $10 million grant will fund the initial interior restoration as the wider redevelopment moves forward. The announcement did not provide a construction schedule, opening date or details about specific programs, registration or public access arrangements.
Those details are expected as the project advances. The goal is to establish the hangars as a year-round destination where Brooklyn residents and other New Yorkers can learn, gather and engage with Jamaica Bay.
