The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport was one of nine upstate airports awarded a total of $230 million in the latest round of the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition funding announced by Governor Hochul in 2022. The awards are intended to promote, revitalize, and accelerate investments in upstate commercial passenger service airports, helping to create airports for the 21st century.

Built in 1990, the airport is an important regional hub located within the City of Rochester and is the fifth busiest airport in the state. Typically, the airport serves approximately 2.5 million passengers per year via carriers such as Allegiant, American, Delta, Jetblue, Southwest, Spirit and United.

The new improvement project, which has an estimated total cost of $38.1 million, will modernize the entryway, ticketing and baggage claim areas of the main terminal to make them more inviting and easier to navigate. These areas will be further enhanced with more natural lighting, LED fixtures and new signage with digital wayfinding features. An expanded canopy at the front entrance and a new, user-friendly mobile app that integrates information about parking, concessions, flight activity, and other areas of the airport into one platform are also planned Additionally, the project will make enhancements to the HVAC system, renovate the freight building and baggage belt, upgrade elevators, replace four jet bridges and install a new parking guidance system.

Two major features of the project are the restoration of the Veterans Area and the creation of the Frederick Douglass Legacy Commemoration Area. The current Veterans Area is more than 20 years old and in need of a refresh to give veterans and their guests a more comfortable place to relax and enjoy while traveling through the airport. Planned updates include a new display case for artifacts, an interactive display, new lounge chairs and updated lighting and ceiling design. The transformation of this space includes input from the Monroe County Veterans Service Agency and the Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester in order to reflect the needs and wishes of the regional veterans’ community.

The airport is also working with the community to honor Frederick Douglass by transforming the current observation deck into a state-of-the-art visitor experience designed to introduce users to his legacy. Historical documents and artifacts, various forms of art and technology will combine to create engaging participatory and educational experiences for all visitors. Douglass’ name, image, writings and impact will also be incorporated throughout the campus, both externally and internally, and all passengers flying into the airport will encounter a welcome sign celebrating and promoting Frederick Douglass. The airport was renamed for Douglass in 2021.

The goal of the revitalization project is to transform the entire airport campus by targeting architectural, aesthetic, and modernization projects that were not a part of a previous renovation effort funded by a 2016 revitalization grant. It is expected to create approximately 325 jobs. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2025.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, “The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport serves as gateway to Rochester and the Finger Lakes Region for millions of travelers each year. I’m proud to have delivered over $16 million in federal funding to help fund this project, which will bring vital upgrades to the passenger experience and also honor the legacy of Frederick Douglass. I am committed to improving the passenger experience for all and will continue to fight to secure federal resources to bring upgrades to New York’s airports.”

New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez said, “Governor Hochul understands that airports are critical to the economic health and well-being of our upstate communities and thanks to her leadership we are moving full-speed ahead to modernize these important gateways all across the state. The improvements we are making at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport will give the Finger Lakes a state-of-the-art travel center - one that is truly reflective of the rich history and beauty of the area and one that creates a more pleasurable travel experience for all.”

The Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition is administered by the New York State Department of Transportation and was open to upstate commercial passenger service airports and airports providing specialized service for commercial aircraft and/or corporate jets. Applicants were encouraged to apply for funding a single project or a program of projects to help meet the demands of the 21st century. Projects submitted for review by eligible airports were evaluated based on established criteria, including but not limited to innovation in design, passenger amenities and experience, operational efficiencies, and economic effectiveness for the airport's region.

State Senator Jeremy Cooney said, “For Rochester-area residents and visitors alike, the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is a gateway to our community. These investments ensure that this gateway will teach about our city’s past, leave a lasting impression and provide a modern, seamless experience for travelers. I want to thank Governor Hochul and Commissioner Dominguez for prioritizing Rochester and delivering on behalf of our community.”

Assemblymember Harry Bronson said, “The Frederick Douglass - Greater Rochester International Airport connects people from around the globe to the legacy of Rochester and our incredible history of civil rights leadership. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for investing $18 million dollars from the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition fund to bring our airport forward into the future while honoring our history with dignity and respect. Importantly, the work for these upgrades, which include the veterans terminal, will be done using local labor from the Rochester Building and Construction Trades.”

Rochester Mayor Malik D. Evans said, “I want to thank Governor Kathy Hochul and New York Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez for making this investment at the Frederick Douglass-Greater Rochester Airport to create an inviting and informative gateway to the entire Finger Lakes region. It is deeply gratifying to know that visitors who pass through our community on their way to enjoy the splendor of the Finger Lakes will see firsthand how the people of Rochester and Monroe County remain committed to the legacy of Frederick Douglass and his message of freedom and justice. By celebrating our past as we build our future, investments like this advance our efforts to create a safe, equitable and prosperous Rochester by inspiring hope and delivering opportunity for everyone.”

Congressman Joe Morelle said, “As the first thing travelers see when visiting Rochester, The Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport must clearly convey our status as a world-class destination. This investment—utilizing millions in federal funding—will help ensure a seamless passenger experience and honor the legacy of Frederick Douglass that is woven into the fabric of our entire region. I thank Governor Hochul for her dedication to critical infrastructure projects and look forward to our continued work together to strengthen the future of our community’s transportation hub.”

Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said, "Investing in the modernization and accessibility of the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport is crucial for the future of Monroe County. These upgrades are made possible through the steadfast support of Governor Kathy Hochul, who supported this project with $18 million in state funding, and will significantly enhance the traveler experience. Governor Hochul's consistent presence and commitment to Monroe County underscore her belief in our potential and future growth. We are profoundly grateful for her partnership and look forward to showcasing these improvements that not only will keep the airport in the top 10 small airports nationally but will also provide airport customers a first-class experience traveling to and from Rochester."