By Hank Russell
Governor Kathy Hochul was joined by local elected officials, business and labor groups and leaders at a press conference at Islip MacArthur Airport to announce that the airport will receive a $15 million investment from the state to make infrastructural improvements. The money will be used to connect the Long Island Rail Road station in Ronkonkoma with the proposed North Terminal.
“Long Islanders deserve modern, efficient transit systems that make their daily lives easier and fuel local economic growth,” Hochul said. “By improving transit access, redesigning road networks, and enhancing critical infrastructure, we are unlocking new opportunities for businesses, tourism, and economic development. This $150 million investment will also create good-paying union jobs while transforming how Long Islanders connect to one another, to New York and to the rest of the world.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight added, “This transformative investment demonstrates New York State’s commitment to building world-class infrastructure that drives economic growth. The direct connection between MacArthur Airport and the LIRR network will create new opportunities for business development, tourism, and job creation that will benefit Long Island for generations to come. The additional funding advances Long Island’s momentum as a hub for economic growth, expanding opportunities for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.”
This is the second investment the state has made in the airport in three years. In 2022, Hochul committed $40 million for a new North Terminal. The project will include a pedestrian walkway linking the airport and LIRR station, redesigned road networks and upgrades to various infrastructure. These enhancements will improve passenger experience, reduce travel times and position MacArthur Airport as a key transportation hub for Long Island.
“Moving MacArthur’s terminal closer to Ronkonkoma station will encourage people to take the train to the airport,” LIRR President Rob Free said.
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine said these funds are sorely needed. “Without these investments, Suffolk County cannot grow to accommodate new businesses or create new opportunities for residents or improve transportation,” he said. “This is a great win for the people of Suffolk County.”
Kevin Law, the board chairman of Empire State Development Corporation, said the new investment will “catalyze economic development, enhance quality of life, and create new possibilities for sustainable growth. The improved accessibility and modernized transit network will help cement Long Island’s continued success as a premier destination to live, work, and do business.”
“Commercial development at Ronkonkoma South represents an incredible opportunity for the region and certainly maximizes the potential of our regional airport,” Islip Town Supervisor Angie Carpenter added. “With this investment, we are laying the foundation for long-term economic growth, bringing in high-quality jobs, and creating new opportunities for our young professionals to live and work right here in our community.”
Members of Suffolk County’s Legislature also applauded the investment.
“We believe this investment goes hand in hand with the County’s continued investment to provide for the economic development of this important area of the county,” said Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst).
Suffolk County Legislature Minority Leader Jason Richberg (D-West Babylon) said, “MacArthur Airport has always had the potential to serve as a much-needed transit hub for Long Islanders, and today’s announcement takes us one step closer to making that a reality. The new, expanded North Terminal will make traveling and commuting easier for our millions of residents, create jobs, and bring more tourism and business to Suffolk County.”
Hochul pointed out that the airport started out as a military installation in 1942 and has since become “an asset” and a “jewel” for Long Island. She also mentioned that Islip MacArthur was named as one of the top three small airports in the nation.
“I don’t know who number one and two were, but watch out,” Hochul said. “We’re going to be at the top of that list in just a short time because we’re very competitive here. You know that.”