Cuomo Asks Public for LGA and JFK Makeover Plans

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is turning to the public for help in making over LaGuardia and JFK. He’s offering three $500,000 awards for a master plan that redesigns the two Queens airports, and improves access to them.

He's hoping the designs include expanded train and ferry access, as well as hotels. He'd also like the designs to address climate change resiliency.

Cuomo made the announcement at Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology alongside Vice President Joe Biden, who once compared LaGuardia to an airport in the Third World.

"It’s unacceptable that LaGuardia has the worst passenger service in the world," Biden said. "Not because of its workers, because it doesn’t have a structure. You wait too long, hallways don’t make sense."

Cuomo also announced that he wants to turn Republic Airport on Long Island and Stewart Airport in Newburgh into tax free zones where shipping companies can send cargo, which he said could take the burden off of JFK airport.

"Don't give me what you think I want or ideas that a bureaucrat can handle," he said. "Give me the most creative, wildest thinking that you have and that’s what we’re looking for here."

The Master Plan design competition begins in 30 days. Designers would then have 60 days to submit a proposal.