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New York Governor Kathy Hochul was at MacArthur Airport this morning, where she announced $150 million in state money to help connect Ronkonkoma station to a proposed north terminal.
“This is a place that matters,” Hochul said of Long Island in particular, in her remarks.
“And MacArthur airport has come a long way since 1942 when it was first built as a military installation,” she said, noting USA Today recently ranked the airport as No. 3 among the country’s best small airports.
“If we continue to invest in this airport, this facility … it’s a good sign to businesses that we’re trying to recruit here, as well as hometown residents who deserve nothing but the best.
“Today I am here to announce we’re building on [prior state investments] .. how much better can we do? $150 million to Suffolk County for the infrastructure to connect Ronkonkoma station with the proposed north terminal at MacArthur Airport. $150 million to get the job done.”
“This is how you make quality of life for Long Islanders,” Hochul continued, “save time for them, and build connections for our visitors as well.”
The money would go toward a pedestrian walkway between the station and new proposed terminal.
But the Town of Islip runs the airport, so Town Board cooperation is crucial in any plans to build a new terminal away from its current location off Veterans Memorial Highway and over to the Long Island Rail Road station.
Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter supports moving the terminal.
“This [airport] is an incredible asset,” Carpenter said Wednesday. “I see this as a major step toward ensuring a bright future for Islip, for the airport, and all of Long Island. Commercial development at Ronkonkoma south represents an incredible opportunity for the region, and certainly maximizes the potential of our regional airport
“And with this investment we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth. This is a pivotal moment.”
Hochul called Carpenter “a persuasive woman.”
“I really appreciate how you stay so focused on delivering for the people,” Hochul told her.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, who has also been a vocal advocate for building a new terminal, said the county will put “at least $50 million into infrastructure” to help push plans along at the airport — and around it.
“We want to create good-paying, union jobs that help do our community proud,” Romaine said. “We want to make sure that Suffolk County moves forward. I look forward to working with Angie Carpenter and the members of the Islip Town Board to make sure that this area around the airport, around the train station, will become the new transportation hub of Long Island and will build industries that will lead us forward.”
Prior coverage
Watch for yourself
Top: Ronkonkoma station looking north. (GLI file photo/Nick Esposito)
