New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that $230 million in awards to nine upstate airports for revitalization projects that reimagine and further modernize airports across upstate New York. The funding comes from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, a competitive solicitation which aims to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century. The governor made the announcement Thursday at Greater Binghamton Airport (BGM).
“Our upstate airports are our gateways to local economies and make lasting impressions, connecting New Yorkers and tourists to the beautiful destinations that the Empire State has to offer,” Governor Hochul said. “By making critical investments to further modernize facilities across upstate New York, we are lifting upstate airports to new heights and providing a 21st century transportation experience that travelers expect and deserve.”
The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition was administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding a single project or a program of projects that will help meet the demands of the 21st century.
The competition asked for projects that focused on projects such as state-of-the-art boarding concourse and concession areas; terminal expansion or rehabilitation; improved security screening; opportunities to move passengers more safely and efficiently with improved distancing during and after the COVID-19 pandemic; and new innovations in contactless technology and an increased focus on cleanliness and disinfection.
Projects submitted for review by eligible airports were evaluated based on established criteria, including but not limited to innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport’s region.
The following airports were winners in the competition:
- Albany International Airport (ALB) was awarded $60 million for the expansion of the airport’s terminal, which will provide enhanced passenger amenities pre- and post-checkpoint and more efficient passenger flow through security.
- BGM won $32 million to fund two projects, the first of which will entail a relocation of the general aviation terminal to integrate it with the passenger terminal, unifying both functions in one renovated facility. The project will also include the creation of a new airport canopy designed to accommodate the future installation of rainwater collection and solar panels, helping to advance New York’s ambitious climate goals. Other improvements will also be implemented.
- Watertown International Airport (ART) was awarded $28 million for the reconstruction and expansion of the airport’s 20,000-square-foot terminal, as well as other improvements.
- Saratoga County Airport will be given $27 million for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art, energy-efficient terminal building, with modern amenities that provide a first-class user experience and design elements that reflect the character of the region.
- Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) was awarded $20 million for two projects, the first of which will include essential upgrades to the airport’s Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Inspection Station. The second project will enhance and expand the North Concourse, upgrading and modernizing this portion of the terminal, which accommodates 40 percent of overall traffic.
- Sullivan County International Airport (MSV) won $18.5 million to reconfigure the interior space, creating additional space for passengers, a new pilot lounge, and better views of the outdoor Catskill Mountain environment, among other projects.
- Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS) was awarded $18 million for the renovation and expansion of the terminal building as well as exterior improvements.
- Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) won $18 million for two projects, the first of which includes revitalization of the terminal building to further modernize the entryway, ticketing area, and baggage claim to make it more inviting and easier to navigate. The second project zeroes in on enhancements to airport operations.
Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) was awarded $8.5 million for revitalization of the terminal building.
