State announces work on Ogdensburg airport to continue later this month

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – The second phase of work is scheduled to begin on the Ogdensburg International Airport later this month.

In a press release, Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the second phase of construction to enhance the passenger experience. The improvements are slated 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.”

This significant investment, championed by Governor Hochul, speaks volumes about our commitment to revitalizing the North Country’s infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The $18 million allocated from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors alike and catalyze regional development.

State assemblyman Scott Gray

In this second phase, major construction will begin on the main terminal and will include a new, multi-purpose great room to provide much-needed community space for civic gatherings, conferences, business meetings, and other public events.

The project, that was awarded $18 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, 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.

Constructed in 1980, the Ogdensburg International Airport currently lacks adequate space to comfortably handle the current passenger flow or accommodate the expected levels of growth in the coming years. The project, which has a total estimated cost of $22 million and is expected to create approximately 195 jobs, will provide a comprehensive 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. Improvements include:

• Expansion of lobby for check-in, ticketing, and baggage drop
• Additional restrooms
• Expansion of the screening, concession, and baggage claim areas
• Upgraded security doors and sprinklers
• Upgraded WiFi for passenger benefit
• New sanitation and water fill stations
• Upgraded disinfection treatment within the HVAC system
• An extended entrance canopy with an elongated curbside drop-off/pick-up area
• An outdoor courtyard with tables, chairs, and planters
• Solar panels and electrical passenger vehicle/equipment charging stations
• Safety improvements for passengers walking between the plane and terminal building
• Renovation of the façade

In September 2022, Governor Hochul announced $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.

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