ALBANY, NY — Governor Kathy Hochul announces $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.

"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."

"Upstate New York's airports are gateways that open the door for expanded opportunities in business, travel, and tourism, and there is no greater advocate for investment in these facilities than Governor Kathy Hochul — because she knows that investing in aviation will bring a renewed sense of prosperity across upstate New York," said Marie Therese Dominguez, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner. "As we continue to modernize our transportation network across the state, these investments will significantly improve the passenger experience and operations of facilities across the state, helping to ensure an efficient flow of people and goods, and continued economic activity across all upstate communities."

Below are additional details on individual projects:

$60 million was given to Albany International Airport for the expansion of the airport's terminal, which will provide enhanced passenger amenities pre- and post-checkpoint and more efficient passenger flow through security. Pre-check point, the project will create a modern business center for conferences and community gathering spaces to alleviate congestion. At checkpoint, the project will expand the security queue. Post-security, the project will expand the area where passengers prepare themselves for their journey, creating additional retail space, a children's play zone, a multi-sensory calming room, and an outdoor green space.$32 million was given to Greater Binghamton/Edwin A Link Field Airport to fund two projects, the first of which will entail a relocation of the General Aviation Terminal to integrate it with the Passenger Terminal, unifying both functions in one renovated facility. The project will also include the creation of a new airport canopy designed to accommodate the future installation of rainwater collection and solar panels. Enhancements to the ticketing lobby and outbound baggage room, the departures lobby and lounge, the baggage claim, and other multi-purpose facilities will also be implemented. The second project will construct a new, 3,000-square-foot General Aviation Customs & Border Protection facility south of the terminal.$28 million was given to Watertown International Airport for the reconstruction and expansion of the airport's 20,000-square-foot terminal. 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; and construction of flexible space for restaurant and classroom spaces available to the non-traveling public. Additionally, the project will construct a new jet bridge to accommodate additional aircraft types and improve customer boarding. To accommodate current and future airlines at the airport, the project will install additional ticketing counters and a rental car counter.$27 million was given to Saratoga County Airport for the construction of a new, energy-efficient terminal building. The new building's first floor will provide two passenger waiting areas, a multi-media conference room, and a café and ice cream counter that will open onto a courtyard with outdoor access. The lobby area will feature a display area for automobiles from the Saratoga Automobile Museum, while the second floor of the building will provide space for pilots as well as a restaurant area and an exhibit area for local artists.$20 million was given to Syracuse Hancock International Airport for two projects, the first of which will include essential upgrades to the airport's Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Federal Inspection Station (FIS). The project will also install the latest FISequipment 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. The project will add approximately 4,700 square feet to the concourse for improved passenger flow, along with additional seating areas and concession space.$18.5 million was given to Sullivan County International Airport to reconfigure the interior space, creating additional space for passengers and a new pilot lounge. The project will also upgrade the airport's HVAC systems, and outfit the terminal building with improved insulation and with solar panels that will provide a sustainable source of electricity for the building. Additionally, the project will install electric vehicle charging stations in the parking area.$18 million was given to Ogdensburg International Airport for the renovation and expansion of the terminal building as well as exterior improvements. The project will install energy efficient technologies, upgraded security doors and sprinklers, new passenger information display systems, and improved Wifi. 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.$18 million was given to Frederick Douglass: Greater Rochester International Airport for two projects, the first of which includes revitalization of the terminal building to further modernize the entryway, ticketing area, and baggage claim. The project will enhance these areas with more natural lighting, LED fixtures, and new signage with digital wayfinding features. Additionally, this project will renovate the airport's Veterans Area, converting it into a modern gathering center with updated lighting, new furniture, and display casings. The project will create a new exhibit in the terminal and an exterior welcome sign to promote the airport's namesake. The second project zeroes in on enhancements to airport operations, making HVAC enhancements and renovations to the freight building and the baggage belt.$8.5 million was given to Adirondack Regional Airport 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 and new wayfinding signage. Post-security, the area will be reconfigured to provide additional space for passengers and an outer wall with large windows will be constructed. Additionally, the project entails relocation and expansion of the café and various HVAC enhancements.