Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Events

Luncheon: Regional Airport Capacity: Adding Stewart to the Mix

7:51 PM EDT on September 2, 2007

Remarks by William R. DeCota, Director, Aviation Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

As air passenger levels continued to rise, the Port Authority became increasingly concerned about congestion at the region's three major airports and the ability to handle future demand. The Port Authority projects that its airports will need to handle 125 million passengers in 2015 and 150 million by 2025. They expect to spend billions of dollars to meet the demand with carefully timed investments to maximize the limited horizontal geography of four highly demanded airports that together only comprise 8,500 acres of land. There are a number of policies and procedures that are also being put in place to address demand. Even with proactive management and timely investments, however, the fact is that the regional airport system will likely experience continuing aircraft delays, more days that seem like peak travel, and deteriorating levels of service during peak periods. So, after a comprehensive study of several regional airports that could serve as a fourth major facility, the Port Authority, earlier this year, was authorized to assume control of Stewart International Airport (SWF) in Newburgh, N.Y., located about 70 miles north of Manhattan. Mr. DeCota will discuss the hurdles that were overcome to allow the agency to acquire a facility outside of its jurisdiction, and the strategic importance of this acquisition. He will focus on investments that will be made to improve access to SWF, enhance traffic growth, reduce airport delays, and contribute to the vitality of the region's economic health. By playing a significant role in an integrated airport system, Stewart Airport will be transformed from an underutilized facility into a dynamic transportation hub.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

We Have the ‘End of Days’ Flooding Pics You Need Right Now

It's bad out there. How bad? Here is a citywide roundup from our staff ... and our friends on social media.

September 29, 2023

Labor Gains: Judge Tosses App Giants’ Suit to Stop Deliverista Minimum Wage

Justice Nicholas Moyne cleared the way for a long-delayed wage hike for workers who brave dangerous roads to bring food directly to New Yorkers.

September 29, 2023

Fed Up Bronxites Tell Mayor To Forget About Bus Ride Invitation After Fordham Road ‘Betrayal’

"I really would think that our mayor would be a little bit more active and speak with us, because he hasn't really made any time with riders. We're not the enemy. We just want better bus service."

September 29, 2023

City Pays $150K to Settle Suit Over Cops Who Harassed Man Who Reported Police Parking Misconduct

Justin Sherwood and his lawyer will pocket $152,000 to settle his federal civil rights suit against the city and several officers who harassed him following his 311 calls.

September 28, 2023
See all posts