Rural Airports in New York State Receive Upgrades
From Rochester and Albany to Watertown and the Adirondacks, rural airports all across New York State are receiving much-needed upgrades. On Tuesday, officials from New York State and the North Country celebrated the opening of the newly remodeled Ogdensburg International Airport.
The airport, located in St. Lawrence County, has undergone a $25 million renovation project aimed at improving safety, comfort, and convenience for travelers. This includes a new entrance, ticketing counter, security, waiting room, baggage claim, and community space.
According to Ogdensburg International Airport Manager Charlie Garrelts, the upgrades were done with the traveler in mind. He hopes that visitors will be impressed by the airport’s modern and welcoming design, which he believes is a “true gem” in the North Country.
Funding for the project came from various sources, with $18 million being provided by the state as part of the governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition. This initiative aims to draw attention to rural airports in New York and showcase their importance and impact.
Janet Ho, Assistant Commissioner of Finance & Integrated Modal Services for the state’s Transportation Department, emphasizes that these upgrades are not limited to Ogdensburg but are happening throughout New York. She believes that investing in these communities will ultimately result in a better travel experience for all.
Located near the Canadian border, the Ogdensburg International Airport also hopes to attract more Canadian travelers. Despite recent trade policy concerns, airport officials remain optimistic and continue to view Canadians as partners and friends. By providing a modern and convenient airport experience, they hope to encourage Canadians to travel to the United States and support local businesses.
In addition to flights to Washington, D. C. and Raleigh-Durham, the airport now offers flights to Orlando through Breeze Airways. This expansion is expected to bring in more Canadian travelers, especially during the upcoming spring break season.
Executive Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, Steve Lawrence, expresses his appreciation for Canadian travelers and reassures them that nothing has changed in terms of their warm welcome at the airport.
In conclusion, the Ogdensburg International Airport’s newly remodeled facilities serve as an example of the ongoing efforts to revitalize rural airports in New York State. With improved safety, comfort, and convenience, these airports hope to attract more travelers and contribute to the local economy.