New York Stewart International Airport is making improvements to help Hudson Valley residents get better transportation with the help of elected officials.

Rep. Pat Ryan took U.S. Department of Transportation Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg on a tour of the airport.

They discussed current and future investment opportunities alongside Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and representatives from the airport and port authority.

Ryan highlighted a recent $119 million investment to build 13 hangars he said will bring more activity to the airport, revenue to the county and create construction jobs.

Ryan and Trottenberg said investment from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is helping to improve airports around the country.

They also said they are working to make flying a reasonable cost, while ensuring travelers are getting the full cost of their tickets, such as preventing delays and cancellation, improved infrastructure and FAA equipment, as well as nice facilities and technology.

“We're making major, major, multibillion-dollar investments in airports all around the country. We're also investing in our own facilities and equipment,” Trottenberg said. “I think, as the congressman mentioned, there is now a new focus on making sure smaller and rural airports have the kind of investments that they need.”

“Finally putting some power back in the hands of travelers rather than the airlines that have, you've had to battle for months or years to get a refund you're owed when they mess up. But that's a big deal that adds up for families. So that's something that i think we should all really applaud and be and make sure people are aware of, too,” Ryan said.

After being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the leaders discussed how the aviation industry is working to make a comeback, and they hope to see more airlines come to Stewart.