Gov. Hochul announces $150M to connect Long Island Rail Road station to airport

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul yesterday announced $150 million in state funding would be awarded to a project that will connect the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) Ronkonkoma Station with the proposed north terminal at Long Island MacArthur Airport.

The new funding stems from state plans to develop the airport's north terminal and improve transportation connections for Long Island, Metropolitan Transportation Authority officials said in a press release. 

The project calls for creating a pedestrian walkway linking the airport and the LIRR station. Area roads will be redesigned to accommodate the walkway. 

Moving the terminal closer to Ronkonkoma station will encourage people to take the train to the airport, said LIRR President Rob Free.