Nolan Unveils $6M Jet Fuel Facility at
Long Island MacArthur Airport
New State-of-the-Art Facility Built in Partnership with Southwest Airlines
Ronkonkoma, NY (April 21, 2021) - Hailing it as another sign of Long Island MacArthur Airport’s growing importance as a transportation hub of the region, Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan, along with Commissioner of Aviation Teresa Rizzuto and Southwest Airlines executives today unveiled a new $6 million dollar, state-of-the-art jet fuel facility designed to expand the capacity of the airport’s fuel reserves. The new facility, built in partnership with Southwest, enables the airport to have more fuel on hand in keeping with industry standards, while the design meets stringent environmental standards.
“MacArthur’s fuel supply was adequate in the past, but did not meet present industry standards,” said Nolan. “Now, thanks to our partnership with Southwest Airlines, we are unveiling a state-of-the-art facility that holds three times the capacity of our previous facility.” The new facility holds 300,000 gallons - a full week of reserves - the industry standard is five days.
MacArthur Airport is a designated staging area for emergency response in Suffolk County and an alternative for bringing emergency personnel and resources to the region. “Without an adequate supply of jet fuel on hand, emergency operations could be hampered,” said Nolan. “This very exciting development will not only cement Long Island MacArthur Airport as a major destination for Southwest Airlines, but will improve all Long Island’s security in the event of a disaster or evacuation,” said Senator Charles Schumer in a statement.
According to Nolan, “concern for protection of our groundwater prompted a design that is not only in compliance with environmental regulations, but resulted in one of the most environmentally friendly facilities of its kind anywhere in the country.” The fuel tanks are placed in an impervious concrete dike area and a concrete pad and collection catch basin are among the elements that come together in a system designed to prevent any fuel from coming in contact with the surrounding soil.
Rizzuto said, “Security was also a major design factor. Fuel suppliers deliver on the “land side” of the security perimeter and aircraft fueling trucks ‘fill up’ on the ‘air side’ thus maintaining the security perimeter throughout the operation.”
Supervisor Nolan, Commissioner Rizzuto and Southwest Airlines Senior Vice President for Fuel Management Rob Myben were joined by Long Island Regional Director for Senator Charles Schumer Gerald Petrella. Other Southwest executives on hand included Steve Sisneros, Jeff Greeson, Kevin Wiecek, and Roszy Lora. Dan Frank of Argus Engineers, who designed the facility; Paul and Gregory Curran of Meccon Industries, the construction contractor, and Gregory Aymong of Highland Tank, who provided the tanks were also present for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to unveil the facility, along with Swissport Fueling executives Stan Livingston, Tucker Cornwell, and Kevin Tibbetts.
According to Myrben, “Southwest is very pleased to have this added resource at Long Island MacArthur. This necessary expansion will pave the way for continued growth at MacArthur. I am happy to join Supervisor Nolan and Commissioner Rizzuto in celebrating the completion of this project.”
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