October 7th, 2020 – Long Island MacArthur Airport officials were joined by Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, New York State Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and other special guests, at a ground breaking ceremony marking the construction of a new, state-of-the-art Ground Transportation Vehicle Center and pedestrian walkway at Long Island MacArthur Airport.
The GVTC facility will centralize all ground transportation including rental cars, taxi stands, buses, ride-hailing services, hotel courtesy shuttles and transportation to/from the Long Island Rail Road Station into a modern structure, to upgrade and better serve travelers for years to come.
“We are consistently working to update and improve MacArthur Airport’s infrastructure to provide an excellent customer experience and modernize aging areas and components. Over the last four years, more than $50M in capital improvement projects are complete or are in progress. This major renovation project comes at no expense to local taxpayers and provides many benefits to our airport and community,” said Islip Supervisor Carpenter.
“Today’s groundbreaking of a new ground transportation facility at MacArthur Airport represents a new gateway to Long Island,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. “Modernizing our regional airports is critical to boosting business and tourism in our unique and diverse New York State regions, and another example of how we’re building back better than ever before for the post-pandemic future,” added the Lt. Governor.
“This is the first in a series of modernization projects the airport will complete over the next several years,” explained Airport Aviation Commissioner LaRose-Arken. “It’s been more than 20 years since the airport’s passenger facilities have been upgraded and travelers expect more. Technology has changed the way we travel through airports. Centralizing ground vehicle services is a convenience for visitors to Long Island and residents who choose mass transportation options over driving. The location of the new GVTC will allow customers who already have a boarding pass, to enter the TSA checkpoint within minutes,” added LaRose-Arken.
“The new GVTC facility complements the Long Island Railroad third track improvements which offers railroad customers more nonstop service to NYC, and a one-seat train ride to/from MacArthur Airport,” explained Robert Schneider, Deputy Airport Commissioner.
In addition to its updated functionality for travelers, the new facilities will provide a more comfortable and attractive aesthetic. “The interior will reflect the feel of Long Island with copper, sand and blue colors to welcome visitors to our area,” LaRose-Arken added.
The airport applied for and received, a New York State Aviation Grant of $800,000, and an Empire State Development Grant of $650,000. Airport Customer Facility Charges and bonds cover the remainder of the funding to complete the GVTC, a total project cost of $8.4M. The Airport will be applying for a reimbursable grant to cover these costs in 2021.
“Projects like the new airport GVTC, which is a smaller component of the airport’s plans for modernization, are regionally significant to economic development,” said Cara Longworth, Director of Regional Economic Development Council.
President & CEO of the Long Island Association, Kevin S. Law said, “MacArthur Airport spurs economic growth and creates jobs for the entire region, and thus I commend Supervisor Carpenter for continuing to make investments that modernize its infrastructure and enhances its accessibility.”
“These major infrastructure projects will create jobs for Long Island. MacArthur Airport is an economic generator for our region, and its role is more important now than ever,” said Supervisor Carpenter.
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter, MacArthur Airport Commissioner Shelley LaRose-Arken, and other special guests commemorated the first day of construction work on the project with ceremonial shovels.
