Fifteen firms have shown interest in the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey’s exploration of a partnership with private firms to replace LaGuardia’s (LGA) Main Terminal.
The firms described their ideas to design, construct, operate, maintain and finance a new $3.6B, 1.3 million sq. ft. Central Terminal Building to replace the original, which opened in 1964. Port authority officials plan to review the proposed concepts, which could lead to the release of a formal request for proposals.
The companies that responded include investors, entities specializing in airport construction and development, facility operations and management firms, and concession developers.
The PANYNJ also is preparing a similar public-private partnership process to replace Newark Liberty International’s (EWR) Terminal A and will issue a similar request for information for that project by the end of the year.
“Our agency is facing challenging economic times which demand innovative solutions, and private-public partnerships are possible arrangements the port authority must seriously explore as we move forward with the capital planning process,” says port authority Chairman David Samson.
“Fliers arriving and departing the New York metropolitan area deserve efficient, modern aviation facilities, not the crowded gate-areas designed for DC-9s at the current Central Terminal Building,” says Pat Foye, the agency’s executive director. “We are working diligently in these times of economic hardship to make short-term and long-term progress towards improving our facilities.”
“The port authority pioneered public-private partnerships at its airports, and this proven concept has worked well for the region, creating thousands of jobs while delivering 21st-century airport facilities for our customers,” says Susan M. Baer, the port authority’s aviation director. “We’re excited to modernize LaGuardia Airport’s main passenger terminal, and it’s great to see our enthusiasm shared by so many others.”
The $3.6 billion redevelopment program will include a $2.4B terminal and $1.2B in associated infrastructure.
