As Albany shifts to becoming an international destination hub and adapts to a post-pandemic environment, the County Legislature is throwing its support behind a multi-million-dollar amendment to the five-year capital plan for the Albany International Airport.

The capital plan was originally approved in 2019. After a presentation on Wednesday, October 26, by Airport Authority CEO Phil Calderone, the Legislature’s Mass Transit Committee approved a $172 million amendment that increases the total plan to $352 million. A significant portion of the cost is offset by federal and state funding.

“The Albany County Airport is relied upon regionally to provide safe, state-of-the-art travel experiences. We are happy to support the continued forward-thinking excellence and attention to customer’s security, ease and comfort,” said Mass Transit Committee Chairwoman Lynne Lekakis.

“The Albany International Airport is a critical transportation hub for our area, and a key factor in growing Albany County as a world class destination for entertainment, tourism and businesses. Keeping our travelers safe and giving visitors the best experience while passing through our gates is our main objective,” said Albany County Legislature Chairman Andrew Joyce. “I want to thank Mass Transit Committee Chair Lynne Lekakis and all of our members for moving quickly on this important proposal and expansion of the Albany International Airport, making it a true gateway to the Capital Region.”

According to the Airport Authority, the capital plan was adopted prior to the COVID pandemic and the existing terminal layout must be reconstructed to comply with recommended health and safety protocols.

“Our amended 5-year Capital Plan includes numerous and needed improvements to airport infrastructure, runways, and jet bridges. It also includes our exciting terminal improvement project that will create a safer, more technologically advanced airport and that will allow us to provide a higher sense of safety and quality of service to our passengers. These projects will complement Albany County’s efforts to increase economic growth and development in the region. We are grateful to the Mass Transit Committee for their unanimous vote of approval and for the continued support from the County Executive and County Legislature leaders,” said Philip Calderone, CEO of the Airport Authority.

The plan calls for replacement of the existing pedestrian bridge with an expanded terminal that connects the parking lot to the airport terminal and will accommodate greater social distancing in the TSA security queuing lanes. Other projects include the potential addition of two passenger boarding gates and the reconstruction of the terminal apron.

“We are excited to hear about what was presented tonight in Mass Transit and we look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition,” said Majority Leader Dennis Feeney.

The resolution will go before the Legislature for approval in November.