NY Governor Proposes Spending Billions to Completely Transform JFK

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is proposing an investment of more than $10 billion to remake JFK International Airport “to meet the demands of the 21st century.”

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo used a portion of his annual State of the State Address to outline plans to completely rework the experience of traveling to and from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Governor Cuomo is proposing to use a mix of public and private investment to transform the long neglected airport, which still serves as single busiest air passenger port of entry into the US, into what he foresees as a better-connected and more modern facility.

“New York never backs down from a challenge; rather, we step up to take on the ambitious projects that are often thought to be impossible. That’s exactly what transforming JFK International Airport is all about,” the Cuomo said during the speech on Wednesday. “Our vision plan calls for the creation of a unified, interconnected airport that changes the passenger experience and makes the airport much easier to access and navigate. We are New York, and we remember the bravado that built this State in the first place, and that is the attitude that will take JFK and turn it into the 21st century airport that we deserve.”

The governor’s plans seem to be as much about improving the way passengers arrive at JFK as it is about improving the airport itself, The proposal calls for major upgrades to the transportation options between the airport and the city it serves. The framework outlined by the administration will spend as much a $2 billion to improve roadways to and from JFK, expanding both rail and shuttle service and potentially building an entirely new transportation hub at the airport, as well as constructing a “ring road” and new taxi lanes to ease traffic congestion at the terminals.

Other rehabilitations of JFK’s aging infrastructure are largely anticipated to be driven by private investment. Among other improvements, plans approved by the governor’s panel call for some older terminal buildings to be completely replaced, streamlining security checkpoints at all of the terminals and working with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to increase the airports overall capacity.

Some of JFK’s biggest tenants made a point of throwing their political weight behind the ambitious undertaking. In a rare display of solidarity, the heads of several major US carriers offered a united front, coming out in vocal support of the plan.

“As New York’s hometown airline serving eight airports across the state, including our home at JFK, JetBlue strongly supports Governor’s Cuomo’s master plan for a 21st Century JFK,” Jet Blue CEO Robin Hayes said in support of the proposal. “We commend the Panel for developing a comprehensive plan for the airport and for focusing on road and rail improvements making it easier for travelers to get to and through the airport.”

“Last year Delta joined Governor Cuomo in support of his vision for a 21st-century LaGuardia Airport,” Delta CEO Ed Bastian agreed. “Today we are proud to back his plan for a world-class JFK that New Yorkers expect and deserve.”

Even the head of the largest airline on the planet, AA CEO Doug Parker offered his full-throated support to the proposed endeavor, “American Airlines applauds Governor Cuomo for creating this vision for a 21st century JFK. Implementation of the Panel’s recommendations will elevate the customer travel experience and allow JFK to maintain its rightful position as a world class global gateway for generations to come.”