Opportunities for The Local Community

The Governor also announced the creation of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, composed of elected officials, community boards, nonprofit organizations, civic organizations and clergy leaders. The Council will be chaired by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and U.S. Congressman Gregory Meeks, and will work with the Port Authority to expand community outreach efforts that are already underway, ensuring this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders as well as provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBE businesses and jobseekers. This includes a commitment to the Governor's nation-leading goal of 30 percent utilization of MWBEs, which applies to contracts as well as financing interests. A community office for the project will open in Jamaica, Queens later this fall, providing easier access for firms looking for business opportunities as well as local residents in search of jobs.

Robin Hayes, JetBlue Chief Executive Officer said, "As New York's Hometown AirlineTM, JetBlue has been doing its part to transform JFK Airport since our first flight 18 years ago. Building on the success of JetBlue's award-winning JFK Terminal 5, we look forward to creating a more unified world-class airport experience across Terminals 5, 6 and 7 and achieving Governor Cuomo's vision for a transformed experience at JFK."

Arthur Molins, Managing Director of the Terminal One Group, said, "We are extremely grateful for the support of the Governor and Port Authority as we partner with them to return JFK Airport to world-class status. We look forward to bringing this vision to reality."

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "Today's announcement by Governor Cuomo is a welcome development that speaks to his administration's leadership. The transformation of JFK into a state-of-the-art international airport for the 21st century is closer than we can imagine, and will be inclusive in ways that are crucial to the success of the project and the advancement of the community. This massive project will create regional job growth, especially in Southeast Queens and surrounding communities, as well as new business ventures for qualified MWBEs."

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz said, "The $13 billion overhaul of John F. Kennedy will be instrumental in assuring continued economic growth and development across Queens. A project of this magnitude will bring many opportunities to the community of Southeast Queens, as well as encouraging additional investment from the state."

Senator James Sanders Jr. said, "The redevelopment of JFK has the potential to provide many great opportunities, and I want to make sure that those opportunities are also reaped by those who live closest to the airport. We look forward to a Community Benefits Agreement that solidifies the state's commitment to the residents of Southeast Queens, and we are delighted by the 30 percent goal for Minority and Women-Owned Enterprises (MWBE) contracting and look forward to helping the Governor and the Port Authority reach that goal."

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. said, "As the busiest airport in New York City, the demand for an airport that can accommodate the record-setting numbers of passengers each year is high, and this investment is precisely what is needed to make that vision a reality. These upgrades will make a real difference in the lives of New Yorkers who frequent JFK, and for visitors whose first impression of the state is the moment they step off the plane. I have lived near the airport all my life and understand it's importance to our local economy and job growth. I applaud Governor Cuomo for staying true to his promise to improve our infrastructure and grow New York's economy."

Senator Todd Kaminsky said, "The new JFK, with the addition of two new world-class terminal spaces, promises an improved traveler experience, with better access to airlines, terminals, and public transportation. As one of our busiest airports, these improvements are critical to the airport's transformation and I thank Governor Cuomo for getting it done with 90 percent private investment, saving taxpayer dollars in the process."

Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman said, "Governor Cuomo has consistently made significant investments in New York's infrastructure, and he has continued that with today's JFK announcement. We are pleased That this transformative plan will provide New York with the world-class airport that it deserves. I commend Governor Cuomo for his commitment to our community directly affected by this redevelopment. I look forward to upgraded infrastructure, and look forward to seeing the new JFK."

Assembly Member Clyde Vanel said, "The JFK Vision Plan to create unified, interconnected terminals on the north and south sides of this gateway airport is critical to revolutionizing the way travelers experience their visits to or departures from New York. This is key to not only bolstering New York's economy, but to attracting travelers and visitors to the state to experience this world-class transportation hub for generations to come."

Assembly Member Michaelle C. Solages said, "This exciting announcement is critical to bringing the region's infrastructure into the 21st century, accommodating the dramatic growth this airport sees each year. The transformational plan will keep New York's economy moving forward in the decades ahead."

Assembly Member Stacey Pheffer Amato said, "Today marks an important day for New York’s infrastructure and tourism industry. JFK has long needed essential upgrades to improve the passenger experience and encourage travel to and through New York State. These modernizations will truly transform the outdated, often-times obsolete airport into a sought-after travel hub for folks from around the globe. I look forward to seeing the progress made on each of these projects and the ways in which it will improve the lives of New Yorkers and visitors alike.”

Mario Cilento, President of the New York State AFL-CIO said, "The governor's historic investment will not only transform John F. Kennedy Airport into a world-class transportation hub, it will create hundreds of good-paying union construction jobs. This is exactly the type of commitment we need to help support working families, grow the middle class and boost our economy."

Gary LaBarbera, Building & Construction Trades Council of Greater NY President said, "JFK's redevelopment is central to providing a world-class customer experience. With more than 60 million passengers traveling through JFK each year, the airport needs an overhaul. Airport access, terminals, roadways, and cargo facilities will receive the attention they need to make JFK the world-class facility it should be, while creating good union construction jobs for hardworking New Yorkers and building a strong middle class."

Héctor Figueroa, 32BJ SEIU President said, "Coming on the heels of the Port Authority's historic vote to enact a $19 minimum wage, Governor Cuomo's JFK announcement represents another historic investment in our airports. Not only will the JFK Redevelopment plan improve the travel experience for those traveling to New York by offering world-class amenities, it will provide significant job and business opportunities for the residents of Southeast Queens. This $13 billion renovation will transform JFK into a world-class, 21-century facility."

Stuart Appelbaum, RWDSU President & Vice Chair Global Gateway Alliance said, "The way JFK is currently configured doesn't work -- terminals were built as needed over the last 70 years, creating a divided airport. As JFK continues to move closer to capacity, it is essential that we offer better access to terminals, and provide a more unified design to the airport overall."

George Miranda, Chairman, International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division said, "The JFK Vision Plan will transform JFK into a unified, interconnected, world-class airport. It is clear these improvements on the airport's north and south sides are essential in order to handle the expected growth in passengers over the next 30 years."

Partnership for New York City President and CEO Kathryn Wylde said, "JFK has long been the dreaded airport in New York, with outdated amenities, confusing navigation, and challenging access from the outside. This investment is an unprecedented commitment to modernizing our infrastructure and ensuring that New Yorkers and visitors will have the 21st century travel experience they have come to expect. I commend the Governor for his leadership on this project and for continuing to invest in the future of New York."

Carlo A. Scissura, Esq., President and CEO, New York Building Congress said, "Under Governor Cuomo's leadership, New York is building bigger and better than ever before. The transformational redevelopment of JFK will support economic growth, create jobs and deliver a world-class airport of the caliber that New Yorkers deserve. I applaud Governor Cuomo for his vision and leadership."