Upstate New York is receiving upgrades in transportation and tourism infrastructure following Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement of the completion of a project at Sullivan County International Airport. The airport has been transformed into a modern travel facility designed to support the local economy and accommodate visitors to the Catskill Region. The renovation was funded with an $18.5 million contribution from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, representing an effort to enhance the airport’s capacity and functionality.
According to a release from the Governor's office, Governor Hochul stated, "You only get one chance to make a good first impression and we want to make sure that our upstate airports do that for their local communities." The modernization efforts are intended to provide one of New York's fastest-growing regions with a fully equipped travel hub capable of efficiently accommodating visitors, business executives, and local residents. The airport’s renovation includes a new 15,000-square-foot terminal, energy-efficient improvements, and updated design elements aimed at enhancing the experience for all travelers.
The renovated airport now features a modern terminal with large windows, high-efficiency heat pumps, and advanced geothermal wells. Passengers can also access a new restaurant and bar area, as well as solar panels, electric vehicle charging stations, and various other amenities designed to improve the travel experience. New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez noted the importance of these upgrades, telling Governor's office, "The improvements we have made to the Sullivan County International Airport will improve the passenger experience, serve as a modern community meeting space for local residents, and create a positive and lasting impression of the Catskills."
Opened in 1969 and located approximately 90 miles from New York City, Sullivan County International Airport serves as an important access point to the Catskills. The airport's renovation, with an estimated total cost of around $24 million, goes beyond aesthetic improvements and aims to support Sullivan County’s development as a destination for tourism and business. The project is designed to transform the airport into a financially self-sustaining and competitive facility within the corporate aviation sector.
The investment in Sullivan County's air infrastructure is part of a larger initiative for upstate New York, with eight other airports also scheduled to receive revitalization funding. Aiming to provide safe, equitable, and reliable transportation networks, the New York State Department of Transportation continues efforts to connect communities and support economic growth through these key projects.
