Governor Hochul Announces Work on Main Terminal to Begin This Month at Ogdensburg International Airport

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the start of the second phase of construction to enhance the passenger experience and 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. 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, which 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.

"With major construction set to begin on the terminal area, the Ogdensburg International Airport will be poised to lift the North Country to new heights," Governor Hochul said. "The Ogdensburg International Airport is an important fabric of the North Country economy and its new and improved airport will be a springboard that attracts new businesses and visitors to this beautiful region."

The Ogdensburg International Airport was one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul in September 2022. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize, and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21stcentury. State and local officials gathered at the airport this morning for a groundbreaking ceremony at the facility.

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 facade

The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding for a single project or a program of projects to help meet the demands of the 21st century. Projects submitted for review by eligible airports were evaluated based on established criteria, including but not limited to innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport's region. Work on the Ogdensburg airport is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, "Governor Hochul continues to lead the way in modernizing our vital transportation infrastructure across the state. The dramatic improvements being made at the Ogdensburg International Airport will allow the airport to serve as a modern travel gateway to the North Country and will help fuel the continued growth and prosperity of the entire region."

Assemblymember Scott Gray said, "I am excited to see the commencement of the main terminal upgrade at Ogdensburg International Airport. 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. By transforming the airport into a state-of-the-art transportation hub and multi-purpose venue, we are laying the foundation for increased tourism and business opportunities that will benefit our community for years. I commend Governor Hochul for her foresight and dedication to our region rural airports. I am eager to witness this project's positive impacts on our constituents."

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Steve Lawrence said, "The modernization of Ogdensburg International Airport is poised to redefine our region's aviation landscape. The proposed plans for the Ogdensburg Airport terminal represent a significant opportunity to elevate the North Country's aviation infrastructure, enhance travel experiences, and foster economic development. In addition, the innovative "adaptive terminal' model transforms the terminal into a multifunctional community asset- with a new 'Great Room' building as its centerpiece. This project encapsulates a concerted effort to modernize and optimize our facilities, aiming to meet the evolving needs of our community and visitors."

Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley said, "Today's announcement by New York State Commissioner of Transportation Director Dominguez, on behalf of Governor Hochul, that the state is providing $18 million in funding to support the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority's project to transform the Ogdensburg International Airport into a regional transportation hub is exciting news for the City of Ogdensburg and the North Country. The enhancements and improvements will provide our airport the opportunity to serve many more passengers and improve their experience in flying in and out of the facility. The new multi-purpose great room will provide much-needed community space for private and public gatherings. I appreciate the foresight and the efforts of the OBPA administration and board in developing this project. The City of Ogdensburg looks forward to teaming with the OBPA to bring this project to a successful conclusion. On behalf of the city, thanks to Governor Hochul for demonstrating her continuing support of the City of Ogdensburg and the North Country through this grant to the OBPA."

St. Lawrence County Chair David Forsythe said, "St. Lawrence County is fortunate to have investment, by the Governor, supporting the continued modernization of air travel in Ogdensburg so that our residents and visitors have better options for reaching their chosen destinations. The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority has been working to ensure continuity of service, and with the benefit of this investment, can provide long term stability for viable air travel from Ogdensburg. The investment to modernize over the last decade has helped the Ogdensburg Airport to continue as a viable option for the North Country, despite the challenges of the last three years. We appreciate the keen focus of the Governor on air travel in New York."

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. In addition to Ogdensburg International Airport, other awardees include: Albany International Airport, Watertown International Airport, Saratoga County Airport, Syracuse Hancock International Airport, Sullivan County International Airport, Greater Binghamton Airport, Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, and the Adirondack Regional Airport.

Contact the Governor's Press Office