Cuomo announces NY airport update plans

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo last week hosted Vice President Joe Biden at an event to unveil New York’s plan to modernize and revitalize LaGuardia, John F. Kennedy International, Republic and Stewart International Airports.

“The number one job of government is to promote economic growth and prosperity, and one of the best ways to drive commerce is by investing in infrastructure that connects New York with local, national and international markets,” Governor Cuomo said. “This is more important for New York than ever before, which is why the state is ambitiously investing in roads, bridges and tunnels on a scale that we haven’t seen in decades. Our airport modernization plan not only enhances how our individual airports look and act in the 21st Century – but addresses how they must fundamentally work together to strategically grow New York’s economy.”

LaGuardia Airport in New York City – Master Plan Design Competition

The Master Plan Design Competition will call on designers from across the globe to strategically envision the complete package of what LaGuardia Airport will look like and how it will function. The enhancements and design competition should include: improving transportation to the airport, including possible high-speed ferries and improved rail service; a redesigned airport layout to increase access, including a potential ferry terminal at the airport; state-of-the-art amenities to offer best-in-class customer service and a diverse food and retail experience; and more resilient infrastructure in order to prepare the airport’s facilities to meet increasing and extreme weather threats. Additionally, the Governor will work with federal partners to make New York’s air space more efficient by expediting the implementation of new air traffic technology in the area.

John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City – Master Plan Design Competition

Submitted designs in the competition will include: enhancing the transportation network, including that of the existing AirTrain that currently shuttles passengers between terminals, parking areas and the subway and LIRR; exploring the need to increase hotel capacity in the immediate area surrounding the airport; implementing state-of-the-art amenities that are reflective of the New York region and also provide guests an array of dining and shopping options; and upgrading facilities across-the-board to modernize the airport.

Stewart International Airport in the Hudson Valley – Regional Cargo Distribution Hub and Propose Creating START-UP NY Zone

A regional cargo distribution hub will be established at Stewart Airport by growing its current cargo capacity, which will relieve JFK Airport of most cargo shipping facilities and create room to expand potential amenities and services for JFK Airport. FedEx and UPS currently operate regularly scheduled flights to Stewart Airport, along with the U.S.P.S and USDA having established facilities established on the property, the airport is strategically positioned to expand into a larger air cargo role. To maximize and promote expanding distribution, the State will propose creating a tax-free START-UP NY Zone at Stewart Airport that allows companies to move back-office manufacturing into one, connected major distribution center. The efforts will complement a $20 million Federal Inspection Facility to process international passengers, which is currently being constructed and will be ready to accept travelers by 2017.

Republic Airport in Long Island – Issue RFI for Operator and Propose Creating START-UP NY Zone

The state will issue an RFI to identify parties interested in serving as a new operator for Republic Airport. The airport currently has nearly 100 acres of available space, including hangar, office, restaurant and land vacancy, and is strategically positioned in Suffolk County, one of the most populous regions in the country. To jump-start investment and business at Republic Airport, the State will propose creating a tax-free START-UP NY Zone that will make available additional resources and incentives.

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