New York state Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Wednesday announced that $20 million in new state funding is available to improve and modernize airports in the state.

Earlier this year, Cuomo announced that the state will partner with Onondaga County and spend almost $36 million to enhance the Syracuse Hancock International Airport.

The funding announced Wednesday is provided through the state’s Airport Capital Grant Program and included in the state’s five-year State Transportation Plan, according to a press release from the governor’s office.

“With this funding, New York will continue to revitalize and modernize our airports, which are both gateways into our communities and vital parts of our transportation infrastructure,” Cuomo said in the release. “Investments in our transportation infrastructure are investments in our future growth and prosperity.”

The funding, which can go to public airports in the state, will support different projects that will be selected “through a competitive solicitation process,” the release states. The projects will be rated based on certain criteria, including economic benefits for local businesses, adherence to regional economic development plans and improved operational efficiency, according to the release.

At least $10 million of the available funding will go toward improvements to airports in upstate New York, per the release.

“I applaud Governor Cuomo for recognizing the importance of investing in projects that will improve airport infrastructure and help accommodate future passenger demands,” said Matthew Driscoll, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner, in the release.

Driscoll added in the release that the investments “will benefit communities and businesses that rely on airports across the State to remain economically competitive.”

“These funds will improve the economic competitiveness of state airports and allow for New York residents and visitors to our great state the ability to utilize airports that are safe and run efficiently,” State Senator and chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee Joseph Robach added in the release. “Improving our state’s airports is a next step in ensuring a 21st Century transportation infrastructure for New York.”

In his State of the State address in Syracuse in January, Cuomo announced that the state will invest $35.8 million into Syracuse Hancock International Airport in an effort to turn it into a state-of-the-art facility.

Improvements to the airport will include a redesign of its grand hall, as well as the creation of both a glass pedestrian bridge and an eco-friendly roof. The airport will also get new flooring and furniture, Cuomo has said.

The transformation at the airport is expected to be completed within 24 months and will create 869 construction jobs, Cuomo said in January.

“Central New York requires a world-class airport to serve as a front door to the region’s array of attractions and keep the region competitive in the 21st century – and that’s exactly what this project will accomplish,” Cuomo said in a press release at the time. “This investment takes revitalization efforts to new heights by transforming the Syracuse Hancock International Airport to improve travel in and out of Central New York.”

Published on March 29, 2017 at 9:10 pm

Contact Michael: mdburk01@syr.edu