Ogdensburg International Airport Modernization Project Underway

Governor Kathy Hochul announced in December that work is underway on a project to transform the Ogdensburg International Airport into a regional transportation hub that will attract new travelers to the area and fuel economic growth throughout the North Country. The project, which was awarded $18 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will expand the check-in, ticketing and baggage drop off areas; construct a new canopy over the curbside drop-off/pick-up area, install new passenger information display systems and make other improvements to enhance the passenger experience and create a state-of-the-art gateway for the entire region. A new, multi-purpose great room will also be created to provide much-needed community space for civic gatherings, conferences, business meetings and other public events.

“Our upstate airports are gateways that not only welcome travelers but also open the door to increased tourism and expanded opportunities for economic growth,” Governor Kathy Hochul said. “Thanks to our Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Initiative, the Ogdensburg International Airport will get the improvements it needs to become a true, 21st Century travel destination that will attract new visitors and businesses to the North Country.”

Constructed in 1980, the Ogdensburg International Airport’s terminal handled as many as 26,921 enplanements a year prior to the COVID-19 pandemic but the facility lacks adequate space to comfortably handle the current passenger flow or accommodate the expected levels of growth in the coming years. The project, which has a total estimated cost of $21.5 million and is expected to create 195 jobs, will provide a comprehensive renovation of the terminal building to create a multi-purpose facility that better serves passengers and air carriers, and attracts new visitors and businesses to the region. Improvements include:

• Expansion of lobby for check-in, ticketing, and baggage drop
• Additional restrooms
• Expansion of the screening, concession and baggage claim areas
• Upgraded security doors and sprinklers
• Upgraded WiFi for passenger benefit
• New sanitation and water fill stations
• Upgraded disinfection treatment within the HVAC system
• An extended entrance canopy with an elongated curbside drop-off/pick-up area
• An outdoor courtyard with tables, chairs, and planters
• Solar panels and electrical passenger vehicle/equipment charging stations

The Ogdensburg International Airport was one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul last year with conceptual renderings. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century.

The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding a single project or a program of projects to help meet the demands of the 21st century. 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 efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport’s region. Work on the Ogdensburg airport is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025.

Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer said, “The Ogdensburg International Airport has been a crucial transportation hub for the North Country for decades, and the start of this transformative project is a vital step toward ensuring the airport meets the demands of the 21st century – with upgraded security features, expanded public spaces, and enhancements to screening, concession, and baggage claim areas that create a more comfortable and efficient travel experience. I applaud Governor Hochul for her commitment to fueling the North County’s growth through this $18 million investment, and I am proud to help create a modern gateway that reflects the community’s vision and expands economic opportunity for generations to come.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Nobody understands the important role upstate airports play in the economic health and well-being of our communities better than Governor Hochul and under her leadership New York State is making critically important investments that will allow them to thrive in the 21st century. These transformative improvements to the Ogdensburg International Airport will create a modern gateway that reflects the community’s needs and vision for the future – to serve and welcome travelers to the region and enhance economic development – fueling the North Country’s growth for decades to come.”

Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority Executive Director Steve Lawrence said, “The modernization of Ogdensburg International Airport marks a pivotal step forward in bolstering our regional infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike. The innovative “adaptive terminal” model transforms the terminal into a multifunctional community asset- with a new “Great Room” building as its centerpiece. This project underscores the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s commitment to fostering economic growth and connectivity within our regional community. We are greatly appreciative of Governor Hochul, Assembly Member Gray, and Senator Walczyk for their unwavering support of this project.”

Today’s announcement on the beginning of construction at Ogdensburg International Airport builds on a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Transportation to support port improvement projects under the federal Port Infrastructure Development Program. The Port of Ogdensburg was recently awarded more than $5.1 million to expand its main dock terminal while making port enhancements to reduce choke points while increasing the size and number of vessels that can be docked simultaneously.

State Senator Mark Walczyk said, “We’re very excited about the investment in our Airport. OGS has grown in scope, capacity, and importance internationally – this is great news for Canadian and New York travelers alike.”

Assemblymember Scott Gray said, “I would like to commend Governor Hochul for the investment into the Ogdensburg International Airport. The announcement marks a significant milestone in the transformation of the airport. This substantial investment of $18 million will not only enhance passenger experience with a modernized terminal and superior facilities, but it also signifies a major boost to the local economy. The project is set to turn the airport into a vibrant regional transportation hub, attracting more travelers and fostering economic growth throughout the North Country. It’s an exciting new chapter for Ogdensburg and indeed the entire region.”

St. Lawrence County Chairman David Forsythe said, “I would like to commend the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority (OBPA) leadership for applying and congratulate them on being awarded $18M for a transformative project that would convert the Ogdensburg International Airport into a regional hub for the North Country. Through their hard work and forward thinking, OBPA ensures that the Airport will be an economic engine that can contribute to the economy in St. Lawrence County for many years to come. This will provide a great benefit to county residents and our regional and international visitors. On behalf of the County, I would also like to thank the Governor for her creative approach to the Upstate Airport Economic Development & Revitalization Competition. The dedication of $230M across New York State will go a long way in making necessary improvements to airports and specifically help our Region stabilize air travel for the future.”