Governor Cuomo Announces Port Authority and Delta Agree on Final Component to Building New Airport at LaGuardia

LongIsland.com

Start of construction is pending environmental review and permitting by the Federal Aviation Administration.

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Rapid progress: Agreement comes less than 1 year following unveiling of the master plan for the new airport.

Photo by: Governor's Press Office.

Albany, NY - July 21, 2016 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Board of Commissioners has authorized $600 million in Port Authority contributions to support Delta’s complete rebuilding of its terminal and gate facilities at LaGuardia Airport – the final component for an entirely new, unified airport at LaGuardia. Under this agreement, former terminals C and D will be combined into a new, single Delta facility, linking to Central Hall, and giving all LaGuardia travelers direct access to every airline, state-of-the-art amenities, and expanded public transportation, including the planned AirTrain.

Today’s authorization comes less than one year following the unveiling of the master plan for the new airport at LaGuardia by Governor Cuomo and Vice President Biden, and follows last month’s groundbreaking on the airport’s new facilities. The Port Authority’s $600 million investment will leverage approximately $3 billion in Delta’s financing of its new facilities.

“LaGuardia is one of the premier gateways into New York, but for too long its antiquated and dilapidated appearance has obscured its role as a key driver of New York’s economy and transportation hub,” Governor Cuomo said. “Replacing these outmoded terminals is a major step forward in our reimagining of LaGuardia into a 21st century, world-class airport worthy of the Empire State. I thank Delta for their partnership, and welcome the many visitors who will enter through their new terminals.”

The authorization includes plans for a long-term lease with Delta for the new terminals. The lease would run through 2050, which is the same timeframe for both the Port Authority’s airport lease with the City of New York and Central Hall. Terms and conditions of the lease with Delta are being finalized and will be presented to the Port Authority Board of Commissioners for final approval.

The Port Authority’s $600 million commitment includes $200 million towards the new Delta facilities, including the construction of new concourses and ramps; $185 million for a new electrical substation to support the power requirements of the new building, plus an expansion of the East Garage and temporary parking during construction; and $215 million for new roadway and additional supporting infrastructure that is typically the responsibility of the Port Authority in new terminal developments.

Start of construction is pending environmental review and permitting by the Federal Aviation Administration. Work on the Delta phase of the project is expected to be carried out on a parallel track with the rest of the airport’s new construction.

Delta CEO Ed Bastian said, “Today marks another proud moment in Delta’s ongoing commitment to providing an exceptional experience for New Yorkers. Our participation in this historic project builds on the more than $2 billion Delta has invested in New York over the past seven years. We are honored to be a part of Governor Cuomo’s and the Port Authority’s comprehensive vision for a 21st-century LaGuardia Airport, and we look forward to many exciting milestones to come.”

Delta Vice President-New York Henry Kuykendall said, “On behalf of the more than 10,000 New York-based employees who are part of the fabric of this community, we take great pride in Delta’s role in rebuilding one of the world’s busiest and best-known airports in the city that we all call home.”

Port Authority Vice Chairman Steven M. Cohen said: "Nearly a year ago, Governor Cuomo unveiled his vision for a 21st century, unified LaGuardia Airport. With nearly 80 percent of the $8 billion project funding through private finance and existing passenger fees, the new LaGuardia Airport is a model on how the private sector and government can work together in delivering critical transportation projects for the region.”

Timeline of the New Airport at LaGuardia

  • October 20, 2014: Governor Cuomo & Vice President Biden announce modernization and revitalization plan for LaGuardia, JFK, Republic and Stewart Airports
  • June 27, 2015: Governor Cuomo, with Vice President Biden, unveils vision for transformative redesign of LaGuardia Airport
  • June 1, 2016: Governor Cuomo announces financial closing on transformational redevelopment of LaGuardia Airport
  • June 14. 2016: Governor Cuomo, joined by Vice President Joe Biden, announces groundbreaking on New LaGuardia Airport

About the New Airport at LaGuardia
The project will be the first complete rebuild of a U.S. airport in 20 years. It will transform LaGuardia Airport into a single, unified facility with expanded transportation access, significantly increased taxiway space and best-in-class passenger amenities. The design reflects the recommendations from the Governor’s Airport Advisory Panel, including the new light-filled Central Hall where passengers arrive, and which combines former terminals for the first time.

By moving the unified airport closer to Grand Central Parkway, the project will increase airport taxiways by more than two miles and reduce airport ground delays. The airport’s interior will be intuitive for passengers to navigate, and will facilitate efficient movement throughout the facility. The design will also take into account the realities of post-9/11 air travel, with additional space for security check-in to help diminish wait times for passengers as they pass through mandatory TSA screening.

Central Hall, which is already under construction, is expected to achieve LEED Gold certification for sustainable design. The Hall will be flooded with natural light at all levels, have short curb-to-gate walking distances, include capacity for retail, food, and beverage concessions, and spacious comfortable waiting areas with more seating capacity.

LaGuardia Airport is vital to the State of New York’s tourism and economy, welcoming more than 28 million passengers annually and supporting 129,100 total jobs, which generates $6.4 billion in annual wages.