Free parking at Watertown International Airport could end under county plan
Jefferson County is considering airport parking revenue equipment that could eventually lead to paid parking at Watertown International Airport, although the project is not final and parking remains free.
By Jessica Hale, ClickNNY North Country Desk
Free parking at Watertown International Airport could eventually end under a Jefferson County capital plan that includes equipment for collecting parking revenue. The proposal is part of a project scheduled for 2030, and the airport currently continues to offer free parking, according to its directions page.
County budget documents show the Airport Parking Improvements project was approved as part of the county’s 2026-2031 Six-Year Capital Plan. The county later increased the airport parking improvements budget line by $170,000. The project includes parking-lot improvements, security fencing and automated equipment intended to manage the facility and support revenue collection.
Grant Sussey, the airport’s director of aviation, said the proposal remains subject to change. If paid parking is adopted, he said the fee would likely be nominal, with money used for upkeep and maintenance such as paving and lighting. The project’s cost would likely be shared by Jefferson County and New York state.
The airport’s parking lot is being improved in phases, including work to pave a gravel area. County records also show earlier agreements related to design work for the main terminal lot, general aviation lot and parking lanes.
County Administrator Ryan Piche said some vehicles have been left in the free lot for months. The proposed equipment would also include additional security and help manage traffic flow.
Free parking is promoted by the airport as a benefit for travelers. Watertown International Airport is served by American Airlines with twice-daily flights to Philadelphia and is about five minutes from Interstate 81 via Route 12F.
For now, travelers can continue to park at the airport without charge. The county’s parking project is expected to remain part of its longer-term capital planning, with the airport’s Facebook page providing updates on lot conditions. Information about county meetings and public comment is available through the Jefferson County website.
Reported by ClickNNY and reviewed by an editor before publication.
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