Governor Andrew M. Cuomo was in the Village of Lansing yesterday to announce a $22 million project to transform the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport into an international airport.  Cuomo said that $14.2 million of that money will be provided by New York State as part of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition.  He also announced to a huge crowd of local legislators and officials that the New York State Department of Transportation (DOT) will relocate its maintenance facility from its current location on Cayuga Inlet to the Airport, which will make 7.6 acres of prime waterfront property available for development in Ithaca.

"Ithaca provides a regional economic growth center, and it spins off economic activity for the region," Cuomo.said "The Ithaca economy is playing more of a role on the global stage.  People are coming from all over the world to come to Ithaca.  Well, make it easy to get there, and make it a pleasant experience.  Airports are the new front door to the economy."

"I want people to think of Tompkins County and Lansing as the golden goose," said Tompkins COunty Legislator Mike Sigler. "We're the only ones in upstate New York that are growing, so we need a first class airport. We're not putting in a new highway. We're not putting an Interstate in to Tompkins, so really this is our connection to the world."

Improvements to the airport and the addition of the new DOT facility are on an accelerated schedule.  Cuomo said the work is expected to be completed in 2019.  Upgrades to the terminal will include:

• Major security enhancements, including updating TSA baggage screening to be compliant with post-9/11 security requirements and adding another line for passenger security screening to alleviate wait times
• Reconfiguration of the security checkpoint and relocation of TSA office space as part of a 7,500-square-foot expansion of the passenger hold room
• Reconfiguration of airline office space and expansion of baggage screening space as part of a 2,500-square-foot addition on the east side
• Baggage security and check-in improvements to streamline the process and improve efficiency
• Three new passenger boarding bridges to accommodate jet aircraft and additional service
• Addition of 1,700-square-feet of space at the main entrance and an expanded ticket counter to improve passenger circulation and provide more room for ticket lines
• Construction of a new 5,000-square-foot Federal Customs Facility
• Technology upgrades to include high-speed WiFi, Bluetooth connectivity and additional charging ports and outlets
• Food service enhancements, such as expanding a pre-security café and adding 4,000 square feet of space for post-security food concessions
• Installation of a separate bus lane and a wind-resistant waiting area for buses, taxis and hotel shuttles
• Installation of new plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, mechanical and electrical systems
• Installation of a new geothermal water-source heat pump system to reduce natural gas usage for the terminal

"It took a long time to get here and it's finally happened," said Village of Lansing Mayor Donald Hartill. "It's going to be an opportunity. Instead of having to go to Syracuse to get imported goods, having the opportunity to fly it here and go through customs will be a great asset."

"Ithaca deserves an airport that will fuel the economic growth and fuel the perception and the reality that you are the place for the future," Cuomo said. "The new airport facility will be nearly double in size. It will offer a world-class passenger experience: better ticket counter check in experience; major security upgrades; six new gates to increase capacity. And it will have three new boarding bridges added to the one existing, so there'll be four boarding bridges with the six new gates. 4,000 square foot dining area so people want to have meetings and do business in the airport, you can do that."




"Today we are celebrating what we can accomplish when local and state governments work together, when the public and private sectors work together, and when problem-solvers and visionaries work together," Robertson said. "Thanks to the Governor's support, we'll be creating a vibrant, mixed-use waterfront district, creating space for a 21st century DOT facility, and expanding the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport to give us the innovative, world-class airport we need."


"I'm excited for Lansing," said Lansing Supervisor Ed LaVigne". I'm very excited about anything that adds growth to this area and helps the residents of Lansing."

Cuomo outlined an aggressive construction schedule that aims for both projects to be completed next year.

"The new airport will open the doors with a welcome sign to the international economy," he said. "The State's awarding $14 million. It's going to make the $22 million plan renovation a reality. This is not a proposal. It's not a plan. It's not a we hope. It's not a maybe someday. We are doing it. We are doing it now. It is a reality. We're going to break ground. We are going to break ground this fall meaning early fall. And it will be finished by 2019."

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