County seeks $40m for airport upgrades
Monroe County hopes to make major upgrades to Greater Rochester International Airport by winning up to $40 million from a state competition.
County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo announced Thursday that the airport had applied for a portion of a $190 million pot of money available for upstate airport improvements. Michael Giardino, the county's aviation director, said afterward that the proposed project would make the airport more accessible to people with disabilities, improve safety and security, and use technology to create a "smart terminal."
The plan also includes more brick-and-mortar elements, like moving the existing cellphone lot to an area before the main terminal to make the lot more convenient for patrons.
“We think we’re transformative," Giardino said. "We are creating a 21st-century airport.”
Seventy-five organizations and businesses have written letters in support of the project, including the Finger Lakes Regional Economic Development Council and the Greater Rochester Chamber of Commerce.
The airport has an additional $23 million in federal and local funds lined up for the improvements. The state money would "accelerate the things we're already planning to do," Giardino said.
The plans include:
- Building a massive canopy over the roadway where passengers arrive and depart. The structure would help to keep both the road and customers dry, allow the airport to install more extensive security devices outside the terminal, and be equipped with solar panels.
- Expanding the airport security checkpoint from six to eight lanes, and better restricting access to a security area.
- Installing more environmentally friendly heating and cooling systems.
- Expanding the use of Bluetooth technology throughout the airport.
- Piloting the use of innovative technology to help people with disabilities — particularly those who are deaf and or have experienced hearing loss. One possibility: Software that can translate sign language to text or voice.
- An expanded concessions area with a new lounge and an area for children to play.
The airport has worked closely on its plans with organizations like the Hearing Loss Association of America and the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, Giardino said.
DRILEY@Gannett.com
