STEWART AIRPORT – One-third of the construction contracts awarded by the Port Authority at Stewart Airport this year have gone to local companies and that translates into lots of money and jobs.

Airport Manager Diannae Ehler said the agency has committed millions to infrastructure upgrades at the Newburgh airport.

“So far we have awarded $24.8 million worth of construction and about a third of those dollars have gone to local contractors and about a third of the contracts,” she said. Of the six contracts awarded, to have been to local companies. The airport anticipates awarding one or two additional contracts before the end of the year, which will bring the total to $25 million to $30 million worth of construction to be awarded this year, Ehler said.

Construction Contractors Association of the Hudson Valley Executive Director James Jay Bodrato said even more local workers will be hired as out-of-town contractors will hire area labor.

Among the work being performed is expansion of the main parking lot, rehabilitation of sanitary sewers, roof replacements, and reconstruction of First Street.