Statement from Dutchess County Executive Marcus J. Molinaro
On announcement of Governor Cuomo’s Aviation Capital Grant Program Award
of $889,650 for the Dutchess County Airport
“The Dutchess County Airport is an important regional asset, with an annual economic impact of over $44 million. The Governor’s Aviation Capital Grant Program award of nearly $900,000, the 2nd largest award in the state, will enable Dutchess County to make much needed improvements to our airport terminal, helping us attract new tenants to the space and making the airport even more inviting for pilots and visitors as they touch down for a visit to Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley region.”
This grant funding will provide for the design and construction of needed renovations to the Dutchess County Terminal Building. The renovations to correct existing deficiencies, as well as to promote usage of unoccupied space within the terminal for small businesses that can benefit airport usage. Terminal building renovations include:
- Replace terminal facade
- Installation of an elevator to provide accessibility to the second floor
- Replacement of leaking and energy inefficient windows/doors
- Improvements to bathroom facilities
- Improvements to main entry automatic doors
- Preparation of unused space for a terminal café
County Executive Molinaro has made it a priority to enhance the economic value of the Dutchess County Airport, privatizing line service operations and pushing an aggressive plan for municipal water and solar energy at the site. With approximately 73,000 aircrafts landing or departing from the Dutchess County Airport each year, there is tremendous potential for even greater economic benefit. Airport use has been expanded to include events such as the recent Open House event, as well as other events such as the Wings of Freedom tour and the Speed of Sound concert. Improvements to the Airport terminal with further enhance these efforts to attract more use and greater private investment at the airport.
