Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $28 million grant from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition for Watertown International Airport to support the construction of a new terminal.

The funds will go toward a $32.5 million modernization project at the Watertown airport, which includes the construction of a 22,000-square-foot terminal with a new lobby and waiting area, expanded ticketing and baggage claim areas, a jet bridge and a dedicated car rental area.

Hochul said such renovations are essential as the state hopes to attract new businesses to the area.

“Companies looking across the country are going to judge us by how they’re received when they land or how their customers are brought here,” Hochul said. “So if we can do the expansions here, we can open up more opportunities for more flights to land and depart here. That’s what’s held us back so far.”

The terminal is scheduled to be completed in summer 2025. The old terminal will then be renovated and expanded to include a new restaurant, offices, and classroom and event rooms.

Other airport projects in the north of the country whose expansion is receiving financial support include the Adirondack Regional Airport and the Ogdensburg International Airport.