Stewart International Airport’s two runways are getting a major face lift, part of the Port Authority of New York/New Jersey’s $500 million commitment to its upgrade and rehabilitation when it took over the remainder of the airport’s 99-year lease in 2007.
Runway 9-27 is one of the nation”™s longest air strips at 11,817 feet. Together with runway 16-34, the two will be repaved with asphalt to help position Stewart for passenger growth in the coming years. It has been been 11 and 18 years respectively since the two runways had been refurbished. Electrical systems for lighting will be upgraded on both runways, and duct work is also planned to provide for future electrical and communications improvements.
The maintenance and improvement project is anticipated to create 380 direct jobs and $31.4 million in direct payroll wages, with the total economic impact estimated at 850 jobs, $53.6 million in wages and $232 million in economic activity over the life of the project from May 2012 through December 2014.
“The Port Authority is committed to improving Stewart International Airport so it may better serve the region”™s travelers,” said Port Authority Chairman David Samson in a prepared statement. “This investment will not only generate jobs over the life of the project but will also generate long term economic growth as Stewart continues to grow as a destination for travelers in the Hudson Valley region.”
“Stewart International Airport is a vital component in the future growth of the Hudson Valley and this project will help ready Stewart for future passenger growth,”™”™ added Executive Director Pat Foye. “This significant project will be completed as quickly as possible, without impacting ongoing flight operations.”
Award of the construction contract is anticipated in the first quarter of next year, with the majority of the design work being handled by Port Authority staff. The Port Authority will seek reimbursement of eligible project costs through application for federal Airport Improvement Program funding
