Syracuse Hancock International Airport will receive $35.8 million in funding to drive forward a $45.1 million transformation of the airport, the New York governor’s office says in a news release.
This investment will turn an archaic facility into a state-of-the-art transportation hub that meets the needs of the 21st century traveler, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a news release.
The overhaul of the airport’s aging infrastructure includes a wide-scale redesign of the grand hall, food, beverage and retail concessions, and the exterior façade. In addition, a new Regional Aviation History Museum, glass pedestrian bridge, and eco-friendly roof will be built along with new flooring and furniture to provide a welcoming atmosphere for travelers from across the world. The project is expected to create more than 850 construction jobs.
“Central New York requires a world-class airport to serve as a front door to the region’s array of attractions and keep the region competitive in the 21st century – and that’s exactly what this project will accomplish,” Governor Cuomo said. “This investment takes revitalization efforts to new heights by transforming the Syracuse Hancock International Airport to improve travel in and out of Central New York. Through the Upstate Airport Competition, we are bringing a state-of-the-art flying experience in cities across the state, attracting more businesses with new economic opportunities, and laying the groundwork for continued growth for decades to come.”
To remain competitive in today’s global economy, New York must reimagine and rebuild the gateways to this State. The airport announcement was part of the second round of the $200 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which first launched last year.
The redesign plan specifics include:
- A wide-scale redesign of the terminal building will offer travelers a more spacious airport that features new flooring and furniture.
- A new Regional Aviation History Museum will be located in the transit center, designed with assistance from the Onondaga Historical Association, to feature educational displays, a visual timeline of significant events, and an exhibit area to showcase historic people from airport’s past.
- A new exterior façade will provide natural light to the passenger drop-off area for the first time in decades and will feature an eco-friendly green roof canopy.
- Above the passenger drop-off area, a new glass pedestrian bridge will provide passengers using mobile airline tickets a more efficient route, connecting them directly to flights by skipping the ticketing lines.
- The exterior of the airport will feature perforated Corten Steel panels to withstand inclement weather, energy efficient windows, and a new rainwater collection system.
The airport will also be outfitted with energy efficient lighting and a cold weather green roof to make better use of space, while promoting eco-friendly practices.
The construction projects related to this revitalization are expected to create a total of 869 new jobs in Central New York. The new Syracuse Hancock International Airport is expected to be completed by 2019.
(Documentation from the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority indicates that bids closed on Dec. 15 for “Terminal Concourse Renovations (IFB Reference #2016-08)”. Individuals and organizations attending the Nov. 29 pre-bid meeting included:
1. So Gone Trash Removal, LLC 2610 South Salina Street, Suite 12 Syracuse, NY Robert Reed mike@sgtrllc.com (315)314-2739;
2. Anderson Granite and Marble Restoration P.O. Box 1066 Henrietta, NY 14467 Scott Anderson and Jeanne Hansen andersongranitemarble@gmail.com (585)454-9747;
3. Murnane Pete Shanahan and Corey Kosmoski (315) 432-0490 and (315)432-0655 ckosmoski@murnanebuilding.com;
4. Welch Construction, Inc. Slate Hill Road Marcellus, NY Matthew Welch (315)673-2076 mjwelch@welchcominc.com;
5. R.J. Ortlieb 7315 State Fair Blvd. Baldwinsville, NY 13027 Eric Ames (315)638-7858 (315) 638-7487 eames@rjortlieb.com.)
In the first round of awards as part of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization competition, $40 million was awarded to Elmira Corning Regional Airport towards the airport’s $58 million transformation, and $39.8 million in funding was awarded to the Greater Rochester International Airport to activate a $63.4 million transformation.
The competition includes $190 million to support airport projects, in addition to $10 million allocated through the Governor’s Aviation Capital Grant Program, which supports safety, infrastructure, and economic development projects at smaller airports across the State. This plan builds upon the success of Governor Cuomo’s Master Plan Design Competition for LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy Airports, as well as the transformative efforts already underway Downstate.
The Jan. 11 announcement complements “Central NY Rising,” the region’s comprehensive blueprint to generate robust economic growth and community development, according to the news release.
“Now, the region is accelerating Central NY Rising with a $500 million State investment through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative, announced by Governor Cuomo in December 2015,” the announcement said. “The state’s $500 million investment will incentivize private business to invest well over $2.5 billion – and the region’s plan, as submitted, projects up to 5,900 new jobs.”
