By Bill Parry
Gov. Andrew Cuomo introduced a $4 billion plan for the first phase of a redesign of LaGuardia Airport Monday at the Sheraton Hotel in Manhattan.
The overhaul will completely change the airport’s current design creating one unified terminal with connections to mass transit, including rail and ferry.
“LaGuardia is ‘un-New York,” Cuomo said. “LaGuardia is slow, it’s outdated, it is a terrible front-door entrance to New York. It is a lost opportunity. It is almost universally decried as a poor representation of an airport, let alone a New York airport.”
The governor detailed the plan during a Monday luncheon featuring Vice President Joe Biden, who last year likened the dilapidated airport to a “third world country.” Cuomo said approvals would have taken years had it not been for Biden’s support.
“This is the greatest city in the world and it requires 21st century infrastructure,” Biden said.
The new terminal will be moved nearly 600 feet closer to the Grand Central Parkway allowing for more space for flight operations, according to Cuomo. He pointed out that construction will create 8,000 jobs and help grow tourism and commerce.
The plan calls for triple the screening space, increased concessions and better connections between terminals, a new roadway system and new parking garages. The first phase of the plan will begin next year.
The project will be handled by a new public-private partnership negotiated by the Port Authority.
“Welcome to the new LaGuardia Airport,” Cuomo said. “This is what New Yorkers deserve and have deserved for a long time. and now we’re going to get it.”
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
