Niagara Falls Airport Passenger Terminal Moves Closer

A proposed $27.5 million passenger terminal at Niagara Falls International Airport is closer to takeoff, thanks to federal approval of future passenger and cargo projections, and a clearer funding picture.

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority on Thursday confirmed that the Federal Aviation Administration has signed off on the NFTA's aviation activity forecast at the proposed terminal, an approval that clears the way for final planning and construction.

Also on Thursday, the NFTA unveiled an updated action plan for the airport to close a $13.1 million gap in funding for the terminal project.

"The stars are finally starting to align for us," NFTA Chairman Greg Stamm said. "Instead of worrying about where the money is going to come from, we have a plan to reach our goal."

The FAA-approved forecast for future NFTA passenger activity pegs the outbound traveler count by 2011 at 14,460. That represents a 1,027 percent leap in traffic from the most recent annual tally of 1,283 departing fliers -- a head count dominated by Immigration and Naturalization Service deportees.

The agency also accepted the NFTA's projections of 2,646 cargo flights in 2011, up from 2,168 in 2006.

Rep. Thomas M. Reynolds, R-Clarence, played a key role in securing the infrastructure dollars and pushing for FAA consent, NFTA officials indicated.

"We worked to keep the FAA focused and are very pleased to gain this authorization. It is like a building permit the NFTA had to have in hand to move forward," Reynolds said.

The congressman said he is convinced the NFTA's "two-pronged approach" to redevelop the Niagara Falls airport is the right one to boost the area's economy.

"It's clear to me there are great opportunities for growing that airport through a combination of passenger and cargo improvements. It will help tourism, spawn new businesses and be a tremendous image enhancer," Reynolds said.

The FAA approval allows the authority to begin spending $3 million in federal funds previously approved for roadway and apron improvements, which are tied to the terminal project. The approval is also required to finalize the terminal design and move into the construction phase.

The NFTA expects to finalize architectural designs for the two-level, water-themed terminal next month, field construction bids this summer and start construction early next year. The expected completion date is July 2009.

The NFTA's timetable also calls for hiring a lobbyist to assist with efforts to secure some $13 million in New York State funds over the next four years to plug the remaining gap to finance the airport project.

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