BETHEL – Sullivan County International Airport has been awarded $18.5 million from the state for upgrades to modernize and rehabilitate its terminal building.
The funds will be used to reconfigure the interior space, creating additional space for passengers, a new pilot lounge, upgrades to the HVAC systems and improved insulation. Solar panels will also be installed and electric vehicle charging stations will be installed in the parking area.
County Public Works Commissioner Ed McAndrew said the improvements will be beneficial given the increase in air traffic.
“We’re seen a considerable increase in overall flights coming into our airport,” he said. And that includes both corporate and leisure travelers. “There is a combination. A lot come in for Bethel Woods for concerts or summer camps may be flying in. Throughout the year we have had an increase but more so in the summer and a lot of additional jet traffic has come in,” McAndrew said.
The county has performed other improvements at the airport in recent years including repaving the 6,500-foot-long runway and lighting system upgrades.
