Stewart Airport to Become Regional Cargo Hub

New York State is expanding the freight capacity at Stewart International Airport to establish the airport as a regional cargo hub.

It’s part of a plan to renovate Stewart, LaGuardia, Kennedy and Republic airports.

“Modern and accessible infrastructure is key to growing our state’s economy, and with this plan we’re bringing New York’s outdated airports into the 21st century,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said in a press release. “By reimagining them from the ground up, we’re making an investment that will strengthen our state for years into the future.”

Stewart International Airport currently contributes roughly $450 million in economic activity to its region, generating approximately 3,300 jobs and more than $160 million in annual wages and salaries. More information is available here.

The Port Authority will produce a plan in conjunction with Empire State Development to design a regional cargo distribution hub to be established at Stewart.

To maximize and promote expanding distribution, the State will also propose creating a tax-free START-UP NY Zone at Stewart that allows companies to move back-office manufacturing into one, connected major distribution center.

This plan will entail a review of underutilized State land both on and adjacent to the airport, in order to maximize private investment in the vicinity. This review will take into consideration the availability and condition of utilities and infrastructure, existing environmental conditions, transportation access and land use restrictions, the statement said.