STEWART AIRPORT – The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates Stewart Airport, will build a new State Police crime lab at the Newburgh area airport in return for the troopers providing law enforcement services at Stewart for 10 years.

The agreement provides for construction of a facility at a cost not to exceed $10 million.

The State Police had announced last year that it would shut down the lab, but an outcry from area police agencies and public officials brought the troopers and the Port Authority to the bargaining table.

The State Police has provided security patrols at the passenger terminal; that was to end, but under the agreement, that will remain as well.

State Senator William Larkin (R-Cornwall-on-Hudson) said the Port was very accommodating in working out the deal.

“They knew what this meant, not to just New Windsor, the Town and City of Newburgh, but the whole area here in the Hudson Valley,” he said. “It strengthens the role of law enforcement, but the lab being there is a very significant part of the structure for law enforcement.”

Law enforcement and municipalities were concerned about the additional costs of lab work had they been forced to transport evidence to Albany or other locations. “With this commitment, we retain jobs in the Hudson Valley, ease the financial burden on our municipalities, and keep Stewart International Airport a safe place for our citizens,” said Orange County Executive Edward Diana.

“Stewart Airport is a critical component to advancing economic development in the Hudson Valley,’ said Governor David Paterson. “This agreement will provide critical law enforcement services to ensure that while the region’s development progresses, the communities of the Hudson Valley will stay safe and secure.”