Syracuse Hancock International Airport Expansion: A Report on Regional Growth and Sustainable Development

Project Overview and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The recently completed expansion and modernization of the Syracuse Hancock International Airport represents a significant investment in regional infrastructure. This project directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by fostering economic growth, building resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable communities through strategic partnerships.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

The project is a direct investment in building resilient, modern, and sustainable infrastructure, a core target of SDG 9. The upgrades enhance the airport’s capacity to serve as a key transportation hub for Central New York.

• Assembly Transportation Chair William Magnarelli stated that modernizing local airports is crucial for upstate cities to continue as drivers of economic development.
• According to State Senator Rachel May, the upgrades ensure the airport provides excellent service in a modern facility, creating a “world-class airport experience.”
• The vision, as articulated by State Senator Chris Ryan, is for Central New York to become a “global gateway for innovation, business, and tourism.”
• Syracuse Regional Airport Authority Executive Director Jason Terreri affirmed the project aligns with the vision of creating a best-in-class airport experience.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The airport expansion is poised to be a significant catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, contributing to the objectives of SDG 8.

• Assemblymember Al Stirpe noted the investment is timed to support the region’s future development, particularly with the arrival of Micron, which is expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.
• The project strengthens the region’s ability to attract economic investment and support long-term, sustainable growth, as highlighted by Assemblymember Pamela Hunter.
• State Senator Chris Ryan emphasized that the expansion will fuel the region’s “economic momentum for generations to come.”
• The New York State Department of Transportation’s mission underscores its commitment to supporting the economic well-being of the state through such infrastructure projects.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

By improving a critical transportation link, the project enhances connectivity and contributes to making the Central New York region more inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable, in line with SDG 11.

• City of Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh described the airport as a “point of pride” that supports safe, convenient travel and drives continued regional growth.
• The airport is an important hub that connects communities for travelers across Central New York, enhancing regional cohesion and quality of life.
• The improved facility is now better equipped to handle growing demand and welcome visitors from around the world, making the community more accessible and connected.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The successful completion of this transformative project exemplifies SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

1. State-Level Leadership: The project was driven by the support of Governor Kathy Hochul and the New York State Department of Transportation, showcasing a strong state commitment to regional infrastructure.
2. Legislative Support: State Senators and Assemblymembers provided crucial advocacy, articulating the project’s benefits for economic growth and community development.
3. Regional and Local Collaboration: The City of Syracuse and the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority were essential partners in implementing the project, ensuring it met the specific needs of the community and its vision for the future.

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

  The article repeatedly emphasizes the project’s role in boosting the regional economy. Phrases like “fueling the region’s economic momentum,” “drivers in economic development,” “attracting new business opportunities,” and preparing for “increased economic development” directly link the airport expansion to economic growth and job creation, as mentioned with “tens of thousands of jobs.”

• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

  The core subject of the article is the “completion of the expansion and upgrades” of the Syracuse Hancock International Airport. This is a clear example of investing in infrastructure. The text highlights the goal of “Modernizing our local airports,” creating a “modern facility,” and the New York State Department of Transportation’s mission to provide a “resilient transportation system,” all of which are central to SDG 9.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The project is presented as a vital component for regional connectivity and quality of life. The airport is described as an “important hub for travelers across Central New York” that “connects communities” and “enhances quality of life.” By improving a key transportation facility, the project supports the development of a more connected and accessible urban and regional area, which is a key aspect of SDG 11.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• Target 8.9: Promote sustainable tourism

  The article explicitly states that the airport modernization aims to make Central New York a “global gateway for… tourism” and is designed for “drawing tourists.” This directly aligns with the goal of devising policies to promote sustainable tourism that creates jobs.

• Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure

  The entire article is about the “completion of this transformative project,” an “investment in infrastructure,” and “critical upgrades.” The stated mission of the Department of Transportation to “provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system” to “support economic development” is a textbook description of Target 9.1.

• Target 11.a: Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas

  The project is framed as a regional initiative. The airport is called the “gateway to Central New York and beyond” and a “hub for travelers across Central New York.” This strengthens the transportation links that are crucial for regional development planning, connecting the city of Syracuse with the wider region and the world, thereby supporting economic and social integration.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

• Implied Indicator for Target 8.9: Increase in visitor arrivals and economic impact of tourism

  The article implies that a key measure of success will be the ability to “welcome visitors from across the state and around the world” and to be a “global gateway for… tourism.” Progress could be measured by tracking the number of tourists and business travelers using the airport and the resulting economic activity.

• Implied Indicator for Target 9.1: Investment in infrastructure and increased passenger capacity

  The article mentions “historic investments” and the “state-funded Terminal Expansion Project,” indicating that the financial investment itself is a measure of progress. Furthermore, the statement that the airport will be “better equipped to handle an already growing demand for air travel” implies that an increase in passenger handling capacity and passenger volume are key performance indicators for the upgraded infrastructure.

• Implied Indicator for Target 11.a: Quality of regional transport infrastructure

  Progress is indicated by the qualitative descriptions of the new facility. Phrases like “world-class airport experience,” “modern facility,” and “outstanding public spaces and amenities” serve as qualitative indicators of the improved quality of the regional transport hub, which is essential for strengthening regional development.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: governor.ny.gov