Watertown International Airport, Adirondack Regional Airport and Ogdensburg International Airport were among nine northern airports that received a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Northern Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition announced by Governor Hochul in fall 2022. The awards are designed to encourage, revitalize and accelerate investment in commercial passenger airports in the northern part of the state, helping to create airports for the 21st century.
The Watertown International Airport
Established in 1928, Watertown International Airport served more than 22,000 passengers in 2023. It serves as a major gateway to the beautiful Thousand Islands region – a haven for boaters and tourists – and is a key hub for Fort Drum military personnel and their families. However, the airport is outdated and currently does not have a jet bridge, giving passengers little protection from the weather when boarding and disembarking a plane. Waiting areas are also cramped, so soldiers and other passengers often have to stay outside while waiting for their transport.
The $32.5 million modernization project, which will receive $28 million from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will build a new 25,000-square-foot terminal that will include a new lobby, ticketing and baggage claim areas, a jetway, expanded passenger waiting areas and a dedicated car rental counter, among other features. The current terminal will remain in operation until the new terminal, being built adjacent to the original building, is completed in summer 2025. Upon completion, operations will be moved to the new terminal and extensive renovations will begin on the old terminal building to add a new restaurant, offices and classroom/event space.
These improvements are expected to create numerous opportunities for new jobs at the airport through the leasing of future available space to new tenants, car rental companies and restaurant providers, as well as other private investment opportunities. 325 jobs will be created directly as a result of the construction.
Adirondack Regional Airport
Built in 1942, the Adirondack Regional Airport handles over 4,700 flights annually and is the only commercial service airport in the Adirondack Park. Located in the town of Harrietstown, the airport is just a short drive from Saranac Lake, Lake Placid, Tupper Lake and other popular destinations in the High Peaks region.
The project, which won $8.5 million in the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, calls for expanding the central reception area, upgrading furniture and lighting, and relocating and enlarging the cafe. Other improvements include air circulation upgrades such as heating, ventilation and air conditioning, installing solar panels, and upgrading a water fountain. This revitalization project, with a total cost estimated at $8.8 million, is expected to create more than 90 jobs and be completed by winter 2025.
Ogdensburg International Airport
Since the official groundbreaking in March to celebrate the second phase of construction at Ogdensburg International Airport, work has been well underway on a $22 million project—$18 million of which is from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition—that will transform this north-central airport into a world-class facility. The ground handling equipment building has been fully reconstructed, and work on the water system will be completed in the next few months. In addition, work has been completed to completely remodel the facility’s terminal, including demolition of the existing baggage canopy and north-side exterior wall, while foundation work is ongoing. The project is on schedule for completion in spring 2025.
The Upstate Airports Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is organized by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to airports in the Upstate that serve commercial passenger airports and airports that provide specialized services for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were invited to apply for funding for a single project or a program of projects to meet 21st century needs. 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 efficiency, and economic effectiveness for the airport region.
