New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo Tuesday outlined an ambitious transportation and infrastructure agenda, including major improvements to New York City's two airports.
A day ahead of his Jan. 21 State of the State speech, Cuomo announced he has appointed a committee to review proposals derived from a design competition announced last year aimed at enhancing LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International Airports in Queens. The projects would be paid for mainly from public-private partnerships, said Cuomo. He
Among the plans Cuomo wants the state to pursue are creating an Airtrain service to LaGuardia that would allow passengers to arrive at the airport via the 7 subway train or the Long Island Rail Road from Willets Point via a structure situated over the Grand Central Parkway.
"You can't get to LaGuardia by train now and that is inexcusable," said Cuomo.
Other plans Cuomo announced for LaGuardia include creating a high-speed ferry service to the airport, building personal rapid transit movers within the airport, a new hotel and "state-of-the-art" dining restaurants.
Kennedy, which has had an Airtrain since 2003, would also see improvements under Cuomo's plan including constructing a centralized hub, "world class" hotel and new parking structures.
Cuomo also proposed setting up tax free zones around Republic Airport on Long Island and Stewart Airport in Orange County and utilizing these facilities for cargo shipments, which would free up additional space at Kennedy.
"That is the gateway to business," said Cuomo on the importance of New York City's area airports. "We really have not kept pace with the rest of the world."
Port Authority officials did not immediately respond for comment on Cuomo's vision for the airports. The agency
