The director of aviation at Rochester's airport is confident Monroe County will get $40 million dollars in upstate airport improvement money thanks to the plan it submitted to the state.
But Mike Giardino doesn't know when that money will be allocated.
Giardino gave an overview and plans for expansion during an address before the Rotary Club this afternoon.
He says the overall $63 million dollar plan they submitted for the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Initiative was superior.
"I'm confident that we submitted the best application. We had 75 letters of support and we're very grateful to the community and those who are supporting us and there's a large array of folks who are supporting us," he said. "It's about the customer experience and expectations. People have different expectations these days with technology, but it's also about a barrier free environment, as well."
The plan includes a number of improvements like an expanded security checkpoint, innovative technology to help those with disabilities, expanded concessions, a canopy covering the arrival/departure roadway, and a play area for children among many other things.
Giardino also says the Greater Rochester International Airport is a major transportation node, it accelerates and facilitates commerce, and it's there for leisure, as well.
Overall, he says it's an $800 million dollar economic driver for this community.