First, $2 million in planning work for the future expansion of Stewart International Airport's terminal that will provide for a multi-functional facility to accommodate the processing of international passengers and allow for increased domestic passenger activity.
Second, to boost airline service to the airport immediately, the Board also authorized a two-year air service development incentive program to entice passenger airlines and charter tour operators to initiate non-stop service to new markets.
The planning and design for a phased terminal expansion is expected to be completed by December 2011.'' The first phase will expand the north side of the terminal by 25,000 square feet to allow the simultaneous processing of international and domestic passengers. A terminal expansion is necessary to construct an adequate federal inspection service facility and to increase the terminal's overall capacity beyond its current limit of one million annual passengers.' The other phases of the project include customer service upgrades and additional improvements to create a fully functioning inspection facility.
The incentive program is available to any new or existing carrier or charter tour operator that provides scheduled non-stop passenger service to any new destination not currently served from Stewart Airport. The program is designed to help mitigate start-up risks and provide marketing support during the critical first year of service. Carriers will receive credits up to $525 per turn for ground handling service charges and $3 per outbound seat, not to exceed $150,000 per destination, for marketing and advertising support in the first year of non-stop service. The costs associated with this program are expected to be offset with the additional revenue generated by the additional flights and passenger traffic.'
Both actions taken today are expected to provide the Hudson Valley region with additional economic benefits including the creation of construction and airline carrier jobs, as well as increasing airport revenues for the agency.
'Our commitment to Stewart International Airport is unwavering. Since taking on the operation of this facility in 2007, we have worked hard to create a vision of how this airport, with its convenient location and supportive community, can become a viable option for this region in the years to come,' said Port Authority Chairman Anthony R. Coscia.
''These actions continue to affirm the Port Authority's combined strategy of short- and long-term investment to make Stewart International the region's hassle-free, economic gateway for travelers and cargo,' said Port Authority Executive Director Chris Ward.
'With an underserved market in the mid-Hudson Valley and northern New Jersey, we believe investments in the future of this airport will ensure its success as both a regional airport and an economic engine for the region,' said Port Authority Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni.
'Stewart Airport is an important driver of economic activity in Orange County and the entire Hudson Valley, so making investments that lay the groundwork for additional, affordable choices for flyers and better facilities for passengers is incredibly important,' said Schumer.''Before companies decide to locate in the region, they often look at how accessible it is ' therefore every dollar we invest in Stewart is a dollar we invest in job creation.'
'This is welcome news for Orange County and the Hudson Valley area,' said U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. 'The Port Authority's plan will provide needed infrastructure improvements for Stewart Airport and attract new airline services for travelers in the region. Now more than ever we need investments in our transportation infrastructure to provide jobs and stimulate long-term growth for the 21st Century.'
"The Port Authority's continued investment in and commitment to Stewart Airpor
