The Peru Gazette

Revitalized Airport Offers New Customs Facility and Air Cargo Receiving and Distribution Center, Easing Travel and Encouraging Business Growth 

Photos of the New Airport Are Available Here

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the completion of a $42.9 million project to modernize the Plattsburgh International Airport. The upgraded facility will improve the passenger experience and better support the growing transportation equipment and aerospace industry locally and across the North Country region. The new and improved airport continues the State’s record infrastructure investments in Upstate New York, which have helped spur tourism, reduce unemployment and build 21st century infrastructure.

“Plattsburgh International Airport is a key gateway to the North Country and it is critical to creating jobs and economic opportunity today and into the future,” Governor Cuomo said. “Transportation infrastructure is the foundation for robust economic growth and this modern, revitalized airport will enable the region to meet the demands of the 21st century, improve travel and encourage additional investment.”

This project is transforming an underutilized former military facility into a state-of-the-art transportation and economic development hub. The improvements are enhancing the passenger experience at the airport by increasing capacity, enhancing safety and adding new retail options and concessions, including a world-class dining facility called “The Rendezvous.” Additionally, a Taste NY grab-and-go kiosk will promote New York’s food and beverage producers and provide travelers the opportunity to purchase locally made and grown snacks, such as chips, candies, apples, and beverages.

A new passenger boarding bridge was installed last spring, bringing the total number of boarding bridges to three and will enable international passengers to deplane directly to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, instead of having to walk across the airport tarmac. The main terminal parking lot was also rehabilitated, smoothing the pavement, installing a redesigned airport access road, upgrading ticketing equipment and improving drainage. A cell phone parking lot and four electric vehicle charging stations were also added.

Additionally, Greyhound and Trailways have agreed to initiate service to a new intermodal facility at the airport, providing seamless transportation options for people traveling to and from the airport. Creating more efficient transportation connections will increase passenger traffic and boost economic opportunities for the airport and the North Country.

The Plattsburgh International Airport and U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement as the first step in establishing Federal Inspection Services at the Airport. The new Customs facility will enable the Airport to fully realize its regional and international economic potential, paving the way for the Adirondack North Country’s transformation into an international gateway for commercial and general aviation traffic as well as international air cargo operations.

Other improvements include:

• New general aviation Customs facility that will expand international connectivity and allow foreign aircraft to use the North Country airport as a base of operations. The facility allows direct international arrivals for business, charter and cargo aircraft, enhancing security and improving the convenience and ease of passenger traffic.
• New air cargo receiving and distribution center that will allow manufacturers to transport their own materials, create jobs and attract new companies to the region.
• New multimodal terminal for taxis and passenger bus service, improving mobility options for travelers and airport employees.
• 60,000-square-foot industrial facility, which will be outfitted by early 2019 for its new tenant Vapor Stone Rail Systems.
• Seven on-airport commercial and industrial facilities, including two aircraft hangars and an updated car rental vehicle servicing facility to improve the ability of rental car companies to quickly clean and service their vehicles, better serving airport customers.
• A site for a future hotel was cleared and a parking lot for it was installed. 

The $42.9 million airport overhaul is being supported by $38.1 million in state funding through Round Two of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. The Development Corporation of Plattsburgh is providing an additional $3.1 million for the project, and Clinton County is providing $1.7 million.