Awards Granted through Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competitions

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that $230 million in awards to nine upstate airports for revitalization projects that reimagine and further modernize airports across upstate New York. This 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 earlier today at Greater Binghamton Airport.

“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. Examples of eligible activities included but were not limited to the planning, design and construction of:

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

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.

Ogdensburg International Airport: $18 million for the renovation and expansion of the terminal building as well as exterior improvements. The project will install innovative and energy efficient technologies, upgraded security doors and sprinklers, new passenger information display systems, and improved Wifi. It will also utilize design themes that reflect the airport’s surrounding community and character. The terminal expansion portion of the project entails the expansion of the lobby for check-in, ticketing and baggage drop; expansion of the TSA screening area; expansion of concessions space; and creation of new space for large community events. Moreover, for exterior improvements, the project will extend the entrance canopy; create an elongated curbside drop-off and pick-up area; and install solar panels and electric vehicle charging stations in the parking area.

Adirondack Regional Airport: $8.5 million for revitalization of the terminal building. The project will make reconfigurations that will expand the central receiving area for improved flow of people. It will bring in LED lighting to illuminate the space and new wayfinding signage for easier navigation to the gate, the café and the parking facility. Post-security, the area will be reconfigured to provide additional space for passengers and an outer wall with large windows will be constructed, bringing in more natural light and providing a view of the airfield and the surrounding Adirondack peaks. Additionally, the project entails relocation and expansion of the café and various HVAC enhancements.

Syracuse Hancock International Airport: $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 (FIS) to ensure the facility meets the latest CBP standards and preserve the airport’s international designation and ability to handle both international passengers and cargo operations. The project will also install the latest FIS equipment for international operations, allowing for the processing of 200 passengers per hour, replacement of a jet bridge, and creation of additional hold room and boarding space. The project also entails installation of a wayfinding lighting control system and support for hearing-impaired passengers. 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. The project will add approximately 4,700 square feet to the concourse for improved passenger flow, along with additional seating areas and concession space. The design supports optimal natural ventilation for improved air quality, promotes energy efficiency with high solar reflectance index materials and dynamic window panels, and integrates sustainability measures through the use of local and recycled materials.

Albany International Airport $60 million

Greater Binghamton/Edwin A Link Field Airport $32 million

Watertown International Airport: $28 million

Saratoga County Airport: $27 million

Sullivan County International Airport: $18.5 million

Frederick Douglass: Greater Rochester International Airport: $18 million