OGDENSBURG -- Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, is praising the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s estimated $15 million airport expansion.

Today bid openings will begin for construction of the proposed airport expansion project at Ogdensburg International Airport.

Right now the FAA is considering the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s application for more than $14 million for the project.

After the proposed expansion, the airport will support between 125 and 135 jobs, compared to 53 in 2010. In addition, the total amount of direct and indirect economic activity that Ogdensburg International Airport produces could nearly double by 2017, a release from Stefanik said.

The runway expansion will also bring an estimated 38,000 new passengers and their resources into the North Country.

“I am pleased that the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority continues to make progress on this important project that would significantly help our local economy,” Congresswoman Stefanik said. “The runway extension plan at Ogdensburg International Airport would help facilitate low fare airline service to the region, expanding commerce, tourism and our local economy. I am proud to support this project and I urge the FAA to allocate these important funds to begin providing construction jobs and low air fare to our North Country residents.”