OSWEGATCHIE, N.Y. — Work has begun on a project to transform the Ogdensburg International Airport into a regional transportation hub that will “attract new travelers to the area and fuel economic growth” throughout the North Country.
The project, which has a total estimated cost of $21.5 million and is expected to create 195 jobs, will provide a renovation of the terminal building to create a multi-purpose facility that “better serves passengers and air carriers, and attracts new visitors and businesses to the region,” the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced.
The effort was awarded $18 million from the governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition.
The project will expand the check-in, ticketing, and baggage drop off areas; construct a new canopy over the curbside drop-off/pick-up area; install new passenger information display systems; and make other improvements to “enhance the passenger experience” and create a “state-of-the-art gateway for the entire region.”
Crews will also create a new, multi-purpose great room to provide “much-needed” community space for civic gatherings, conferences, business meetings, and other public events, Hochul’s office said.
“Our upstate airports are gateways that not only welcome travelers but also open the door to increased tourism and expanded opportunities for economic growth,” Hochul said. “Thanks to our Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Initiative, the Ogdensburg International Airport will get the improvements it needs to become a true, 21st Century travel destination that will attract new visitors and businesses to the North Country.”
Constructed in 1980, the Ogdensburg International Airport’s terminal handled as many as 26,921 enplanements a year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but the facility “lacks adequate space to comfortably handle” the current, increased passenger flow or accommodate the expected levels of growth in the coming years, Hochul’s office said.