b'PASSENGER TRANSPORTISP 37terminal formerly used for rental car operations will soon house upgraded mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems. That work is expected to be completed this year, notes Rob Schneider, deputy commissioner of Aviation.The updated building systems will complement and support other terminal improvements currently underway, such asROB SCHNEIDERnew baggage-claim units and vestibule doors. Looking further ahead, there are plans for more ticket counters and airline offices as the airport secures additional commercial service. Current projects and future plans may prove timely. An additional carrier, Breeze Airways, started service at ISP this February, joining the airports other three airlines: American, Frontier and Southwest. The airport also supports general aviation operations, consisting of 300 based aircraft and 105,175 general aviation operations last year. Extensive ScopeWith traffic related to rental car operations shifting from the terminal area to the new Ground Transportation Center, ISP resurfaced portions of airport roadway and parking lots. The new trafficflows decrease congestion on the terminal frontage road, notes LaRose-Arken.As for the Ground Transportation Center itself, it took a lot of work to transform a moribund building into a modern facility for airport passengers. Crews demolished and rebuilt the entire interior of the structure. Despite the extensive renovations that were needed, the project team preferred that strategy to constructing a new building. Repurposing underutilized facilities that already existed on the property enabled the airport to meet their growth and expansion goals without undertaking a major new construction project, says Mahesh Kukata, the JKL Engineering principal and vice president who served as construction manager PHOTO: MEGAN GILMANfor the Ground Transportation Center project. MAHESH KUKATATo turn the newly empty shell into a customer-oriented transportation hub, the airport had crews install new walls, ceilings, floors, energy-efficient lighting and mechanical systems, information technology/communications infrastructure and a backup generator. closed about 15 years ago, the single-story facility is located aboutThe new facility also includes perks added specifically for travelers, 250 feet from the terminal. The completely renovated buildingsuch as free high-speed Wi-Fi connectivity, a pathogen-reduction includes 12,000 square feet of interior space, plus a 369-spacesystem to enhance indoor air quality, and real-time displays of rental car lot right beside it.schedules for courtesy shuttles and Long Island Rail Road service.The projects groundbreaking ceremony in October 2020 attracted a range of state and local officials, including KathyTechnology and AestheticsHochul, New Yorks current governor who was lieutenant governorIn light of the devastating COVID-19 pandemic, ISP is particularly at the time. Speakers at the event noted that ISP generates roughlyproud of the built-in pathogen-reduction system, which cleans $600 million in annual economic activity throughout the region, andair and surfaces inside the Ground Transportation Center. Airport projects like the new Ground Transportation Center spur additionalofficials were pleased with the performance of Continuous Air economic growth.Surface Pathogen Reduction equipment installed in the terminal two years ago, and they wanted the same protections for the new facility. The airport officially debuted the new facility in April 2022, after a soft opening the month before.LaRose-Arken reports that ISP was the first airport in the United States to install a Continuous Air and Surface Pathogen Reduction With rental car operations relocated to the Ground Transportsystem. Its the same type of equipment used in hospitals and Center, new opportunities are in play for the airport. Space in theother medical facilities, she adds. AirportImprovement.comJuly | August 2022'