“The Dutchess County Airport is an important regional asset, with an annual economic impact of over $44 million. The Governor’s Aviation Capital Grant Program award of nearly $900,000, the 2nd largest award in the state, will enable Dutchess County to make much needed improvements to our airport terminal, helping us attract new tenants to the space and making the airport even more inviting for pilots and visitors as they touch down for a visit to Dutchess County and the Hudson Valley region,” said County Executive Marc Molinaro.
This grant funding will provide for the design and construction of needed renovations to the Dutchess County Terminal Building. The renovations to correct existing deficiencies, as well as to promote usage of unoccupied space within the terminal for small businesses that can benefit airport usage. Terminal building renovations include:
1. Replace terminal facade
2. Installation of an elevator to provide accessibility to the second floor
3. Replacement of leaking and energy inefficient windows/doors
4. Improvements to bathroom facilities
5. Improvements to main entry automatic doors
6. Preparation of unused space for a terminal café
County Executive Molinaro has made it a priority to enhance the economic value of the Dutchess County Airport, privatizing line service operations last year and pushing an aggressive plan for municipal water and solar energy at the site. The Dutchess County Legislature voted in 2015 to bond close to $3 million to pay for the cost of extending a County water transmission line to the Airport in order to draw in additional business to the Airport and surrounding area. The County has also applied for grant funding to help assist with the creation of the water line. Last year, the County entered into an agreement with FlightLevel Dutchess, a fixed base operator, to proviatize services to the Airport including fueling, hangaring, aircraft maintenance, as well as an investment of $100,000 in buildings improvements.
With approximately 73,000 aircrafts landing or departing from the Dutchess County Airport each year, there is tremendous potential for even greater economic benefit. The County is working to create an aviation lab at the Airport through a partnership with Dutchess Community College. The lab, coupled with the Airport's StartUp NY designation and Dutchess Community College's Airframe and Powerplant program, are furthering investment and jobs. Airport use has been expanded to include events such as the recent Open House event, as well as other events such as the Wings of Freedom tour and the Speed of Sound concert. Improvements to the Airport terminal will further enhance these efforts to attract more use and greater private investment at the airport.
Dutchess County Legislator Joe Incoronato said, "The Dutchess County Airport is one of the busiest General Aviation airports in New York State, and this critical funding will allow the County to continue to move forward with projects that will enhance and improve our Airport operations. The County has made concerted efforts to make the Dutchess County Airport a prime location for private investors, and this additional investment will enable us to implement needed improvements to the Terminal Building, making it a more accessible and attractive space for visitors, pilots, residents."
To read the Governor’s full announcement about Aviation Capital Grant Program awards, go to: