Work on new, improved Adirondack Regional Airport begins

SARANAC LAKE | The Adirondack Regional Airport (SLK) is making headway on the future home of its ADK CAVU Cafe, which is anticipated to be completed sometime this winter. Relocating and expanding the ADK CAVU Cafe, which serves home-cooked breakfast and lunch not just to travelers, but to the public, is just Phase 1 of the Town of Harrietstown's multi-phase project to modernize the airport. Made possible thanks to $8.5 million in state funding, the multi-phase project also includes installing solar panels on the roof, expanding the central receiving area, and updating the furniture, lighting, ventilation, water well, and air conditioning. A new two-story structure will also be constructed to house the airport's administrative offices and TSA (Transportation Security Administration) offices. "We anticipate the entire project to take about three years to complete," said Town of Harrietstown Supervisor Jordanna Mallach. "Not only is it going to be beautiful when it's done, but it's going to make the overall experience easier and more enjoyable." Discussions about modernizing the airport, built in 1942, began when Mallach was just a town councilor about eight years ago, she shared. So, when Governor Kathy Hochul announced a new round of Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, the town jumped at the opportunity and applied. SLK — the only commercial service airport within the Adirondack Park that operates flights to New York City and Boston — was one of nine upstate airports awarded $230 million. "I'm proud to have supported the airport's efforts in receiving this state support, and I know that it is crucial in growing our economy," said Senator Dan Stec in a press release from last year. "This funding will create 90 jobs in the short-term, and in the long run, [it] will help expand opportunity and access to the North Country." Administered by the New York State Department of Transportation, this competition, which was implemented to help attract new visitors and boost economic activity in the North Country, was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized services for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Projects submitted for review were evaluated based on established criteria, including, but not limited to, innovation in design, passenger amenities, operational efficiency, and the economic effectiveness of the airport's region. "From the Thousand Islands to the Adirondack Mountains, the North Country is home to some of New York State's most popular attractions, and the improvements we are making to the [...] airports will create world-class travel experiences that will make the region an even more desirable place to live, work and visit," Governor Kathy Hochul stated in a press release from August 2024. "The work now underway at these three airports will provide the North Country with state-of-the-art gateways that will keep visitors coming back again and again, boosting tourism and providing a high-energy charge to the region's economy."

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Work on new, improved Adirondack Regional Airport begins

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