Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a press conference at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport to announce a $2.5 million federal investment in upgrades to the airport’s security operations. As new investments in the region will increase pressure on airport infrastructure, this funding to enhance airport security and efficiency is needed now more than ever to keep Syracuse at the center of economic growth in Upstate New York. The Syracuse airport will use this funding to centralize the physical location of its security and communications operations into a single facility, improving coordination between staff, law enforcement officers, security, airfield maintenance, and airfield operations. These structural improvements will help the airport respond swiftly in the case of a weather advisory, terrorist event, industrial accident, or other crises. Senator Gillibrand was joined at the Syracuse Hancock International Airport by Executive Director of the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Jason Terreri, Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon, and Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Board Member and CenterState CEO President and CEO Rob Simpson.
This federal funding is part of the nearly $11 million Gillibrand helped secure for Syracuse and over $44 million she secured for Central New York in the federal bipartisan funding package.
“The Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the gateway connecting Syracuse to its future as a hub for economic growth in Upstate New York. I’m proud to have secured this $2.5 million investment to enhance security operations and ensure flights coming in and out of Syracuse remain safe and efficient,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This investment is part of the $10.76 million in federal funding I fought to bring home to Syracuse that will improve public safety and health, create new jobs in Central New York, help make transportation seamless, and prepare the region to take flight.”
“Syracuse is quickly becoming a global manufacturing hub, and Hancock International Airport is the gateway connecting our regional economy to the rest of the world. I’m proud to deliver this $2.5 million investment to keep operations running smoothly and ensure the airport can continue to reach new heights,” said Senator Schumer. “I will always fight to bring home the federal dollars to boost Central New York’s economic take off.”
“As Central New York flourishes, the creation of this dedicated Airport Command Center will help the airport continue to meet the needs of the community and support further growth,” said Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri. “We greatly appreciate the efforts of Senator Gillibrand and all congressional leaders who continue to advocate for funding to support important projects such as the Airport Command Center.”