Watertown, Ogdensburg airports awarded $46 million from state for terminal expansions

“Our upstate airports are our gateways to local economies and make lasting impressions, connecting New Yorkers and tourists to the beautiful destinations that the Empire State has to offer,” Gov. Hochul said in a statement. “By making critical investments to further modernize facilities across upstate New York, we are lifting upstate airports to new heights and providing a 21st century transportation experience that travelers expect and deserve.”

The project at Watertown International Airport will reconstruct and expand the airport’s 20,000-square-foot terminal at the facility in the town of Hounsfield. According to the governor’s office, the project will also include improvements to the Transportation Security Administration screening and baggage handling areas; installation of flight information displays and a visual paging system; construction of additional baggage claim space; construction of a new hold room with modern seating, charging stations, natural lighting and airfield views; and construction of flexible space for restaurant and classroom spaces available to the non-traveling public.

The project will also involve constructing a new jet bridge to accommodate additional aircraft types and improve customer boarding. To accommodate current and future airlines at the airport, additional ticketing counters will be installed. The project also includes installation of a dedicated rental car counter, the governor’s office said.

Ogdensburg airport manager Stephanie L. Saracco said there will be “a lot of upgrades — some you’ll see, some you won’t.”

“They’ll all enhance the customer experience at the airport,” she said.

The terminal renovation will add a convention center that can be used while the airport runs. It will be available to the public.

“There’s going to be expansion of terminal building, and there will be a public event center, room for that where it can be used simultaneously with the airport,” she said. “That area can be expanded and contracted, as necessary, for events or any other kind of public gathering. It will be done so that the airport will continue to operate as normal.”

Ms. Saracco added that an expanded terminal, “from ticketing to gate areas to baggage claim areas,” makes the experience easier for passengers going through the airport.

“It’s easy to navigate right now. It will become easier,” she said. “It has technological upgrades as far as Wi-Fi systems go, air cleaners to enhance our HVAC system for sanitizing the air.”

The interior terminal work upgrading the ventilation system is aimed at preventing the transmission of airborne germs.

“Things that have really come to light during COVID about sanitation of airports, and we’re going to try and use as much of that technology as we possibly can to enhance the safety of everyone in the building,” Ms. Saracco said.

Outdoors, the passenger pickup and drop-off area will be covered. She said they plan to “extend the canopy over the entrance to the airport, so when people either drop off or pick up passengers, they’re in a covered area, making it easier for folks to get in and out of the airport.”

There will also be upgraded security doors and sprinklers, new passenger information display systems, and “design themes that reflect the airport’s surrounding community and character,” according to a news release from the governor’s office. Outside, electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the parking area, and there will also be solar panels installed.

Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority officials say the $18 million project “represents a unique opportunity” to update the airport and “create a better experience for passengers passing through and, at the same time, create a new community gathering space that can be used for a variety of purposes.”

The project “will spur further economic activity at the airport and in the region and fund work that will make the airport more competitive and attractive to travelers and businesses for years to come,” Vernon D. “Sam” Burns, chair of the OBPA board of directors, said in a statement.

He added that the authority is “immensely appreciative” of Gov. Hochul, the state Department of Transportation and Greg Lancette, president of the Central & Northern New York Building Trades, and other officials who assisted in securing the funding.

“This project will build upon the $26 million that has already been invested in the airfield and the terminal,” OBPA Executive Director Steven J. Lawrence said in a statement. “This funding will allow OBPA to continue to drive economic development in Northern New York, promote growth at OGS, create a welcoming space for visitors, and provide Ogdensburg with a new community space. Arriving at the new OGS will provide a warm welcome to travelers, creating a positive first impression and a unique gateway experience into the North Country of New York State. I’m proud of this project and grateful to all involved in delivering this funding.”

St. Lawrence County Legislator James E. Reagen, R-Ogdensburg, says he hopes the expansion will entice more travelers from the Ottawa region to fly in and out of Ogdensburg.

“I think it’s excellent they’ve been awarded this money. I’m hoping this will help the Ogdensburg International Airport become Ottawa’s second airport,” he said shortly after the governor’s office announced the $18 million in funding. “We’re just a short distance down the road from Ottawa. We’re already seeing folks from Ottawa coming down using the Ogdensburg airport. Hopefully this will help make it possible for more people to come and use the Ogdensburg International Airport.”

The $18 million comes from the state’s Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. The governor’s office describes the program as “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.”

State Sen. Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, said in a statement that she’s “thrilled” the two airports were picked for the funding.

“This important investment will take the Watertown and Ogdensburg International Airports to the next level, not only improving the travel experience for passengers, but also creating a domino effect that will boost the North Country economy.” she said. “I am grateful these airports were selected to receive funds and look forward to seeing how these changes help them reach new heights.”

“These funds will go a long way in upgrading the Ogdensburg International Airport and help attract more visitors to Northern New York. This is a win for the Maple City, its residents and the region’s economy,” Assemblyman Mark C. Walczyk, R-Watertown, said in an emailed statement.