Governor Kathy Hochul announced that construction has begun on a project to modernize the Sullivan County International Airport and create a state-of-the-art gateway that will fuel economic growth and foster increased tourism for the entire Catskill Region.
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The project, which was awarded $18.5 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will replace the original 55-year-old terminal with a spacious, new 15,000-square-foot, energy-efficient building that will become both a welcoming destination for visitors to the region and a popular spot for residents to come and enjoy the Catskill Region’s scenic beauty.
The new terminal will feature plentiful natural lighting, an all-electric HVAC system utilizing high-efficiency heat pumps integrated with geothermal wells, an enlarged restaurant and bar area with an outdoor dining area, a pilot’s lounge and other amenities that will enhance the passenger experience and create a modern travel center.
“Airports are the front doors to our Upstate communities and vital economic engines for the region,†Governor Hochul said.
“This project will provide the Catskills with the state-of-the-art airport it deserves and greet thousands of visitors per year as they explore the region.â€
The Sullivan County International Airport was one of nine Upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul in September 2022.
The awards are intended to promote, revitalize and accelerate investments in Upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century.
Constructed in 1969, the Sullivan County International Airport is located in the heart of the Catskill Mountains, approximately five miles northwest of the Village of Monticello and 90 miles northwest of New York City.
A major feature of the new terminal building will be a two-story glass curtain wall that will offer fabulous views looking across the apron, taxiway and runway to the Catskill Mountains, and also provide natural daylight to most of the occupiable spaces.
The restaurant/bar area on the second floor will also have an adjacent deck for outdoor dining and the main first floor waiting area will have an adjacent covered patio for outdoor seating.
The project has a total estimated cost of $23 million and is expected to create approximately 260 jobs.
Work on the airport is expected to be completed by the spring of 2025. ■