The next phase of the Greater Rochester International Airport Renovation Project is underway.
This includes installation of several 13,000 pound steel arches, part of the new ROC Terminal Entrance Canopy.
Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul was on hand for the "beam raising" ceremony, as the state has provided a $40 million dollar grant for the overall $79 million dollar airport upgrade.
"When you travel and you come to a place that's welcoming, and feels like it's in the right century, the 21st century instead of the previous one, and it has a state-of-the-art welcoming, this canopy, people are just going to say 'this place has got it together,’" she said.
Hochul says the canopy makes a statement that Rochester is the "epicenter of the future."
Monroe County Executive Cheryl Dinolfo says the new canopy will not only protect passengers, it will have state-of-the-art enhanced security measures. She says the airport represents the front door to the community for visitors.
"We want them to feel what we already know, so when they're looking to expand here and they're looking to put their business here, that they have the same feeling that we have, the vitality of this area, the opportunity of this area, and it really does help create that whole experience of job creation, job development and job expansion," she said.
Dinolfo says the canopy brings a "wow" factor to the airport, and is among many improvement projects, including a new cell phone lot, new security checkpoint and dining opportunities, all-ages play zones in partnership with the Strong Museum of Play and much more.
The project is expected to support hundreds of local jobs and be completed by the fall.
Crews install the first of several 13 thousand pound steel arches for the canopy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9az5zdPOF70">
County Executive Dinolfo says a modern airport is all about job development:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KTvelTuZYY">