State awards area airports funding for improvements

Airports serving the Syracuse, Binghamton, Watertown, and Ogdensburg areas will use state funding for improvements.

They’re among nine facilities that will benefit from a total of $230 million “for revitalization projects that reimagine and further modernize” the airports, the office of Gov. Kathy Hochul announced on Wednesday.

Hochul spoke about the funding during a visit to the Greater Binghamton Airport in the town of Maine.

This money 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,” per Hochul’s office.

“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,” 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 New York State Department of Transportation administered the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. It was open to upstate commercial-passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets.

Syracuse

Syracuse Hancock International Airport will use $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 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 about 4,700 square feet to the concourse for improved passenger flow, along with additional seating areas and concession space.

Binghamton

Greater Binghamton Airport/Edwin A Link Field will use $32 million to pay for two projects. The first one will involve a relocation of the general aviation terminal to integrate it with the passenger terminal, “unifying both functions in one renovated facility.” The second project is the construction of a new, 3,000-square-foot general aviation customs & border protection facility south of the terminal, “which will help the airport maintain its designation as a user fee airport.”

Watertown

Watertown International Airport, located in the town of Hounsfield in Jefferson County, will use $28 million for the reconstruction and expansion of the airport’s 20,000-square-foot terminal, “which will provide modern and comfortable facilities to passengers.”

The project will also improve the TSA screening and baggage handling areas; installation of flight information displays and a visual paging system; construction of additional baggage claim space; construction of a new hold room with modern seating, charging stations, natural lighting and airfield views; and construction of flexible space for restaurant and classroom spaces available to the non-travelling public.

Additionally, the project will construct a new jet bridge to accommodate additional aircraft types and improve customer boarding.

Ogdensburg

The state awarded Ogdensburg International Airport, located in the town of Oswegatchie in St. Lawrence County, $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.

The terminal-expansion portion of the project involves 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.