Airport collaborative redevelopment proposal could leverage $7 billion in private investment

Posted by Mary Scott Nabers on Wednesday, January 11th, 2017

Written by Mary Scott Nabers
President and CEO, Strategic Partnerships Inc.

JFK International Airport - Photo by Joe MabelHampered by outdated systems and infrastructure in need of repair, the John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City has found a friend in New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo. The forward-thinking governor this week announced his $10 billion plan to redevelop the JFK Airport, the nation’s fifth-busiest aviation facility.

To transform this aging transportation resource into a world-class transportation hub will require a collaborative effort between both the public and private sectors. Like the multi-billion-dollar renovation currently underway to rebuild terminals at the city’s LaGuardia Airport, officials are contemplating a public-private partnership (P3) as the financing method for much of the JFK project. Two-thirds of the more than $8 billion investment to build new facilities at LaGuardia is being paid for by the private sector. Experts say the JFK plan has the potential to drive up to $7 billion in private investment.

New York City’s use of P3s for major infrastructure projects makes it the leading American city for leveraging private-sector capital for major public-sector projects that the city otherwise would not be able to afford. The JFK plan will add to Cuomo’s announcement a year ago of his $100 million state infrastructure plan.

New York is taking advantage of the experience, expertise and, most importantly – the capital- that the private sector can bring to government. And, the state has expanded P3 opportunities to public buildings, airports, health care, water/wastewater and transportation – far beyond P3 collaborations that previously were dominated by road and bridge construction projects.

The airport plan is based on the recommendations of the state’s Airport Advisory Panel. A report notes that JFK falls short when measured against global standards. It also points to the competitive nature of airports that serve other major cities throughout the world. Most leading airports are making major investments to improve the passenger experience. The report states that for New York to remain globally competitive, it must “develop a world-class gateway that is safe, secure and designed for the needs of 21st century passengers.”

In addition to providing world-class amenities such as fine dining facilities, high-end retail and conference and meeting room facilities, the JFK plan also includes:

  • Expanding and centralizing parking lots;
  • Redesigning roads that will lead to quicker and easier access in and out of airport terminals;
  • Expanding newer terminals and redeveloping or relocating older terminals while ensuring that terminals are connected;
  • Expanding rail and other mass transit options for the convenience of passengers;
  • Adding state-of-the-art security technology such as facial recognition and video tracking software; and
  • Adding all kinds of amenities for the comfort, convenience and enjoyment of the traveling public.

The governor is also supporting $1.5 billion to $2 billion in spending by the State Department of Transportation for projects to reduce travel times and improve roads leading to the airport.

Mary Scott Nabers, CEO, Strategic Partnerships Inc.The JFK proposal is being referred to as visionary and revolutionary. It has ignited enthusiasm, intense interest, commitment and a huge sense of pride – not only for New Yorkers, but also in citizens throughout the nation. It’s time the U.S. had an airport listed as one of the top ten in the world. That goal should be accomplished with this project.

Mary Scott Nabers is president and CEO of Strategic Partnerships Inc., a business development company specializing in government contracting and procurement consulting throughout the U.S. Follow Mary on Twitter.

Tags: , , , , , , , ,

Comments are closed.

Follow InfraUSA on Twitter Facebook YouTube Flickr

CATEGORIES


Show us your infra! Show us your infra!

Video, stills and tales. Share images of the Infra in your community that demands attention. Post your ideas about national Infra issues. Go ahead. Show Us Your Infra!  Upload and instantly share your message.

Polls Polls

Is the administration moving fast enough on Infra issues? Are Americans prepared to pay more taxes for repairs? Should job creation be the guiding determination? Vote now!

Views

What do the experts think? This is where the nation's public policy organizations, trade associations and think tanks weigh in with analysis on Infra issues. Tell them what you think.  Ask questions.  Share a different view.

Blog

The Infra Blog offers cutting edge perspective on a broad spectrum of Infra topics. Frequent updates and provocative posts highlight hot button topics -- essential ingredients of a national Infra dialogue.


Dear Friends,

 

It is encouraging to finally see clear signs of federal action to support a comprehensive US infrastructure investment plan.

 

Now more than ever, our advocacy is needed to keep stakeholders informed and connected, and to hold politicians to their promises to finally fix our nation’s ailing infrastructure.

 

We have already engaged nearly 280,000 users, and hoping to add many more as interest continues to grow.

 

We require your support in order to rise to this occasion, to make the most of this opportunity. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to InfrastructureUSA.org.

 

Steve Anderson

Managing Director

 

SteveAnderson@InfrastructureUSA.org

917-940-7125

InfrastructureUSA: Citizen Dialogue About Civil Infrastructure