JOHNSON CITY, New York (WWNY) – Airports in Watertown and Ogdensburg will each receive millions of dollars for improvements from New York state.
Their awards are part of a $230 million investment in upstate airports.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced the awards at a news conference at Greater Binghamton Airport in Johnson City.
She said the money will provide a “cleaner, brighter experience for the customers.”
The Watertown International Airport will receive $28 million to rebuild and expand its 20,000-square-foot terminal, improve the TSA screening and baggage handling areas, and construct a new jet bridge.
“It’s truly going to transform our airport and take it to a whole other level of service. So, we’re very excited,” said Jefferson County Legislator Chairman Bill Johnson.
The Ogdensburg International Airport will receive $18 million to renovate and expand its terminal and to make outside improvements, too.
“Every area of the airport commercial flying experience will be enhanced,” said Stephanie Saracco, manager, Ogdensburg International Airport.
Plans for both airports include improving areas for TSA screening, baggage, and ticketing.
The Watertown project also calls for restaurant and classroom space that will be available to non-travelers and improvements to passenger boarding areas.
“It will allow bigger planes, possible in the future, to come in that we can accommodate. Maybe even a second airline somewhere down the road,” said Johnson.
In Ogdensburg, plans are to create a large community event space, improve the pick-up and drop-off area, and install electric vehicle charging stations.
“The gate area will become bigger, the ticket area will become bigger, the baggage claim area will become bigger. We have room for concessions before and after security. The security checkpoint will become enhanced,” said Saracco.
Albany airport received the largest award at $60 million. Binghamton received $32 million, Saratoga County received $27 million, Hancock airport in Syracuse received $20 million, Saratoga County received $18.5 million, Rochester received $18 million, and the Adirondack Regional Airport was awarded $8.5 million.
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