BY JIMMY LAWTONNorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG -- Local leaders from across St. Lawrence County gathered at the Ogdensburg International Airport as New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez spoke prior to a ceremonial groundbreaking on a proposed $19 million improvement project.

Dominguez said Governor Kathy Hochul continues to lead the way in modernizing “our vital transportation infrastructure across the state.”

“The dramatic improvements being made at the Ogdensburg International Airport will allow the airport to serve as a modern travel gateway to the North Country and will help fuel the continued growth and prosperity of the entire region,” she said.

The event marked the start of the second phase of construction to enhance the passenger experience and transform the airport into a regional transportation hub that will attract new travelers to the area and fuel economic growth throughout the North Country.

Major construction will begin on the main terminal and will include a new, multi-purpose great room to provide much-needed community space for civic gatherings, conferences, business meetings, and other public events. 

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.

Among those who spoke at the event were Dominguez, Assemblyman Scott Gray, Ogdensburg Mayor Michael Tooley and St. Lawrence County Chairman David Forsythe.

Several county legislators were in attendance including Ogdensburg Legislator Jim Reagen, Massena Legislator Nichole Terminelli, Oswegatchie Legislator Joseph Lightfoot and Forsythe.

St. Lawrence County Democratic Chairman Mike Zagrobelny was there as were labor leader and Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall.

Ogdensburg City Councilors Michael Weaver, Jennifer Stevenson, Michael Powers were in attendance along with Tooley and Interim City Manager Andrea Smith.

“Today’s announcement by New York State Commissioner of Transportation Director Dominguez, on behalf of Governor Hochul, that the state is providing $18 million in funding to support the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s project to transform the Ogdensburg International Airport into a regional transportation hub is exciting news for the City of Ogdensburg and the North Country. The enhancements and improvements will provide our airport the opportunity to serve many more passengers and improve their experience in flying in and out of the facility,” Tooley said. 

“The new multi-purpose great room will provide much-needed community space for private and public gatherings. I appreciate the foresight and the efforts of the OBPA administration and board in developing this project. The City of Ogdensburg looks forward to teaming with the OBPA to bring this project to a successful conclusion. On behalf of the city, thanks to Governor Hochul for demonstrating her continuing support of the City of Ogdensburg and the North Country through this grant to the OBPA,” stated Tooley.

Assemblymember Scott Gray said he was excited to see the investment in Ogdensburg.

“This significant investment, championed by Governor Hochul, speaks volumes about our commitment to revitalizing the North Country's infrastructure and promoting economic growth. The $18 million allocated from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition will enhance the travel experience for residents and visitors alike and catalyze regional development. By transforming the airport into a state-of-the-art transportation hub and multi-purpose venue, we are laying the foundation for increased tourism and business opportunities that will benefit our community for years. I commend Governor Hochul for her foresight and dedication to our region's rural airports. I am eager to witness this project's positive impacts on our constituents.”

St. Lawrence County Chair David Forsythe offered appreciation for the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority which he says “has been working to ensure continuity of service, and with the benefit of this investment, can provide long-term stability for viable air travel from Ogdensburg. The investment to modernize over the last decade has helped the Ogdensburg Airport to continue as a viable option for the North Country, despite the challenges of the last three years. We appreciate the keen focus of the Governor on air travel in New York.”

Among those celebrated for the work were OBPA Executive Director Steve Lawrence who has held the board weather difficult storms in the wake of a myriad of issues that stemmed from COVID-19.

“The modernization of Ogdensburg International Airport is poised to redefine our region’s aviation landscape. The proposed plans for the Ogdensburg Airport terminal represent a significant opportunity to elevate the North Country’s aviation infrastructure, enhance travel experiences, and foster economic development,” Lawrence said. “In addition, the innovative ‘adaptive terminal’ model transforms the terminal into a multifunctional community asset- with a new ‘Great Room’ building as its centerpiece. This project encapsulates a concerted effort to modernize and optimize our facilities, aiming to meet the evolving needs of our community and visitors.”

Constructed in 1980, the Ogdensburg International Airport currently 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 $22 million and is expected to create approximately 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
• Safety improvements for passengers walking between the plane and terminal building
• Renovation of the facade