Travel News: LaGuardia Gets a Much-Needed Update

Although LaGuardia Airport (LGA) was launched as a commercial airport in 1939, it actually commenced operations in 1947. LGA, situated very close to Manhattan in the New York, is a major domestic airport that employs about 10,000 people, and generates $13.6 billion or more in economic activity. The dilapidated structure of the present LGA buildings are an eyesore and have ranked as one of the worst serving airport. This event resulted in the vision to transform and renovate the New York’s La Guardia Airport.

In 2015, the proposal of LaGuardia Gateway Partners to handle the renovations and operations of LGA terminal was approved by Governor Andrew Cuomo, whose agenda is to revitalize the transportation system of the New York state. This public-private partnerships between the LaGuardia Gateway Partners and the Port Authority was estimated to cost a deal of $4 billion. The agreement was that the LGG partners would handle two-third of the budget as well as any costs that exceed the $4 billion gap, while the Ports Authority would pay-up the rest. The LaGuardia renovation program is a strategic plan to bring down the walls of LaGuardia into rubbles so the whole construction would start from the scratch.

In assessment of the risks related to this project, contentious meetings were organized where stakeholders have expressly shown concerns as to whether LaGuardia project would not trend in the way of the World Trade Center transportation hub.

By 2021, the LaGuardia transformation project should be nearing completion. With some major segments of the renovation scheduled to be finished in 2019, and the other half will be duly completed in about 18 months. The mantle of the redevelopment of the new unified terminal is given to the Delta Airlines, which is an indication of strong support for the new vision to give LaGuardia a more befitting look.

• This renovation would see to a number of modifications which includes an Air-Train connection linking LGA to the New York City’s train subway at Mets-Willets Point station. Also, there is a recommendation to lower traffic and enhance accessibility to passengers by making available an accessible ferry-service directly linking to the La Guardia Airport.
• The Demolition of the old Central Terminal Area and creating a new 35-gate terminal building structure of 1.3 million square feet. And as well, other associated utilities or infrastructures that will make LGA operationally efficient have been considered for implementation.
• The construction a first-hand road systems leading to the airport, and designs to build new utilities in the Central Terminal Area, construction of the new East and West Parking Garages.
• The site of the proposed new airport is adjusted to move 600 feet closer to the Grand Central Parkway, thereby granting enough space and access for vehicular movements. However, the Port Authority has agreed to support the vision by providing services that will enhance the welfare of passengers and various airline staffs by installing runway safety improvements.

You can depend on KEE Limousine to swiftly and safely navigate the upcoming inconveniences caused by these much needed renovations to LaGuardia. To make a reservation or get a quote, call us at 860-355-4509 or visit us online at www.keelimo.com.