LaGuardia Airport construction to create 1,500 jobs

A new phase in the construction of LaGuardia Airport's new terminal building is expected to create 1,500 jobs as work begins on a six-level parking garage and an electrical substation.

The $255 million project will construct a garage for 1,100 cars and replace one of LaGuardia's antiquated electrical substations to support the airport and the new terminal, which is slated to be completed in 2019, according to the Port Authority.

The $3.6 billion LaGuardia Airport redevelopment project includes a $2.4 billion terminal and $1.2 billion for infrastructure and airport roadways, said Ron Marsico, Port Authority spokesman.

The new Central Terminal Building will accommodate larger aircraft to meet the demand of additional passengers, whose numbers are estimated to increase over the next two decades, according to the Port Authority, which operates the airport.

In 2012, LaGuardia handled 25.7 million passengers.

Port Authority officials forecast that 34 million travelers will use the airport by 2030. More than half of those passengers are expected to use the new Central Terminal Building, the Port Authority said.

"These infrastructure projects will help ready LaGuardia Airport for aviation's next generation as it modernizes one of New York City's premier gateways," Scott Rechler, Port Authority vice chairman, said in a statement.

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The project is expected to generate $112 million in wages, the Port Authority said. The federal government will reimburse 95 percent of the project's expenditures.

Other work being completed includes upgrades to Terminals C and D for Delta Air Lines, the airport's largest carrier. Delta opened a new 630-foot-long pedestrian bridge in December, and in June installed a moving walkway.

The bridge connects the two terminals so passengers do not have to go through security twice, said Leslie Scott, Delta spokeswoman. Both terminals will have full service restaurants, bars and cafes -- a total of 29.

Also 2,000 iPads are being installed in both terminal waiting areas, allowing passengers to order meals that are delivered to them.

"It's a totally different airport," Scott said. Terminal C is expected to be completed next year. Other work will redesign Terminal D to offer an easier traffic flow for travelers, she said.