NYS announces funding for three upstate airports

WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – New York Governor Kathy Hochul was in Watertown to announce funding for three airports in Northern New York.

Gov. Hochul announced that work will start on projects that will modernize the Watertown International Airport and the Adirondack Regional Airport. The aim is create welcoming travel gateways that will help attract new visitors and bring added economic activity to the region.

Additionally, work is moving forward on the expansion of the main terminal and other enhancements at the Ogdensburg International Airport.

“The work now underway at these three airports will provide the North Country with state-of-the-art gateways that will keep visitors coming back again and again, boosting tourism and providing a high-energy charge to the region’s economy,” Governor Hochul said.

The three projects were awarded funds from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition representing a $54.5 million investment in the North Country’s vital transportation infrastructure.

Thank you to Governor Hochul for announcing critical investments in the Watertown International Airport and Ogdensburg Airport, totaling $46 million as part of the Governor’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization. These projects will modernize our airports, enhance services, and stimulate economic growth in the North Country. Airports in the North Country are extremely valuable assets that support economic activities and are vitally important to medical transportation services. I extend my sincere thanks to Governor Hochul for her commitment to our region’s infrastructure and economic future

New York State Assemblyman Scott Gray

Watertown’s $32.5 million modernization project, which is receiving $28 million from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will construct a new, 25,000-square-foot terminal that will house a new lobby, ticketing and baggage claim areas, a jet bridge, expanded passenger waiting areas, and dedicated car rental counterspace, among other amenities.

The current terminal will continue operations until the new terminal, which is being built next to the original building, is finished in the summer of 2025. Upon completion, operations will be moved to the new terminal and extensive renovations will begin on the old terminal building to add a new restaurant, offices and classroom/event spaces.

Since the official groundbreaking in March commemorating the second phase of construction at Ogdensburg International Airport, work has been going full steam ahead on a $22 million project — which includes $18 million from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition — to transform this North Country Airport into a first class facility.

The Ground Services Equipment building has been fully reconstructed and water system work is nearing completion over the next couple months. Additionally, work to fully transform the terminal at the facility, including demolition of the existing baggage canopy and exterior wall on the north side has been completed while foundation work is ongoing. The project is on track to be completed in the spring of 2025.

Adirondack Regional Airport in Tupper Lake was given $8.5 million from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will expand the central receiving area, update the furniture and lighting, and relocate and enlarge the café. Additional improvements include air circulation enhancements such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, the installation of solar panels, and an upgraded water well. This revitalization project, which has an estimated total cost of $8.8 million, is expected to create more than 90 jobs and be completed by the winter of 2025.

(Courtesy of Sierra Penrose/WWTI)

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