Syracuse Airport granted $2.5 million to increase security

The word used Wednesday at Syracuse Hancock International Airport was “excitement.” The facility announced a new investment to improve security operations.

The airport will receive $2.5 million in federal funding to increase security. A portion of the funding will be used to redesign the command center so the team can work as a unit.

what you need to know

• $2.5 million will upgrade Syracuse Hancock International Airport’s security system

• The federal funding is part of the nearly $11 million federal officials who have secured Syracuse as part of the bipartisan federal funding package

• The airport recorded a significant increase in travel activity last year

“This will allow for better coordination between our operations teams, terminal services, maintenance, police, fire, TSA and all of our partners,” said Jason Terreri, executive director of Syracuse’s Regional Airport Authority.

He said the airport has seen a significant increase in travelers over the past year and it’s imperative to improve efficiency and stay ahead of the curve, especially with what’s to come.

“Just think about what we’re going to see in terms of Micron’s market entry over the next few years,” Terreri said. “But it’s not just Micron. There are many other factors as this community continues to grow. So, as an airport, we have to be ahead of that.”

That’s why Senator Kirsten Gillibrand pushed for funding.

An airport can be very hectic. The senator said it’s important to prioritize safety and meet the needs of the community.

“People need to know that this airport will continue to grow and serve the needs of their families, their communities and their businesses,” Gillibrand said. “That’s why Senator Schumer and I and the delegation went to such lengths to get these federal dollars to do just that.”

The airport funding is part of the nearly $11 million federal officials secured for Syracuse as part of the bipartisan federal funding package.