BY JEFF CHUDZINSKINorth Country This Week

OGDENSBURG – Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority has awarded a $19 million bid for a massive airport project that was awarded $18 million in funding in December.

Renovations will be completed by Murnane Building Contractors, who are based in Plattsburgh, for the terminal renovations, as well as the pole canopy project.

It was the only bid received.

Cost for the terminal work will be $19,224,292, while the canopy project will be $350,000 for a total cost not to exceed $19,574,292, according to Lawrence.

Construction is expected to begin at the end of March or "in the first couple weeks of April," he said.

The project should be completed in May 2025, with outdoor work expected to be wrapped up by November, Lawrence said.

Murnane Building Contractors have done work at the airport before, including terminal renovations in 2015 and 2016, along with general aviation work in 2008 and 2009, according to OBPA Chairman Sam Burns.

Lawrence told board members the work will be completed in phases "to keep the airport operating" while the renovations are completed.

This will be the third terminal project Murnane Building Contractors has completed at the Ogdensburg International Airport.

Governor Kathy Hochul said the improvements will attract new travelers to the area and fuel economic growth throughout the North Country.

She said the project has been awarded $18 million from the Governor’s $230 million Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, will expand the check-in, ticketing and baggage drop off areas; construct a new canopy over the curbside drop-off/pick-up area, install new passenger information display systems and make other improvements to enhance the passenger experience and create a state-of-the-art gateway for the entire region. A new, multi-purpose great room will also be created to provide much-needed community space for civic gatherings, conferences, business meetings and other public events.

The project, which has a total estimated cost of $21.5 million and is expected to create 195 jobs, will provide a comprehensive renovation of the terminal building to create a multi-purpose facility that better serves passengers and air carriers, and attracts new visitors and businesses to the region. Improvements include expansion of lobby for check-in, ticketing, and baggage drop, additional restrooms, expansion of the screening, concession and baggage claim areas, upgraded security doors and sprinklers, upgraded WiFi for passenger benefit, new sanitation and water fill stations, upgraded disinfection treatment within the HVAC system, an extended entrance canopy with an elongated curbside drop-off/pick-up area, an outdoor courtyard with tables, chairs, and planters, as well as solar panels and electrical passenger vehicle/equipment charging stations.

Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority Executive Director Steve Lawrence said the project is going to be huge for the city.

“The modernization of Ogdensburg International Airport marks a pivotal step forward in bolstering our regional infrastructure and enhancing the travel experience for residents and visitors alike. The innovative “adaptive terminal” model transforms the terminal into a multifunctional community asset- with a new “Great Room” building as its centerpiece. This project underscores the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority’s commitment to fostering economic growth and connectivity within our regional community. We are greatly appreciative of Governor Hochul, Assembly Member Gray, and Senator Walczyk for their unwavering support of this project,” he said.

State representatives State Senator Mark Walczyk and Assemblymember Scott Gray praised the project along with St. Lawrence County Chairman David Forsythe.