"Having access to a regional crime lab is a great benefit for police departments across the Hudson Valley that will save them both time and resources," Governor Cuomo said. "Opening this facility is one more step towards a safer and a more secure New York."

The state-of-the-art lab is housed inside a new 10,000 square foot, single story building. Its construction was funded by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in exchange for continued law enforcement services at Stewart Airport by the New York State Police, which has been safeguarding operations at the airfield since the 1970s.

The lab will examine evidence and analyze samples in DWI cases and controlled substances seized in drug cases within Dutchess, Ulster, Orange, Putnam and Rockland counties. The facility will also analyze samples from State Police cases that originate from Westchester County and parts of Long Island and New York City.

Senator Bill Larkin said, "Today is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the New York State Police, the Port Authority and many other stakeholders. Cooperation and teamwork always produce positive results. This police crime lab at Stewart Airport will ensure that law enforcement continues to have the resources it needs to protect and serve our communities."

Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, "I'm pleased that the State Police will operate this state-of-the-art Crime Lab at Stewart Airport. The new lab serves as yet another element of growth and expansion at Stewart. It will also help us fight crime here at home in Orange County."

Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Executive Director Pat Foye said, "The new crime lab advances the long-standing relationship between the New York State Police and Stewart Airport. It also signifies the Port Authority's continued commitment to the Hudson Valley community by supporting the region's economy. Since taking over operations in 2007, the agency has invested more than $50 million in airport improvements and another $180 million in new runways, terminal enhancements and police services."

New York State Police Superintendent Joseph A. D'Amico said, "The State Police is appreciative of our continued partnership with the Port Authority and Stewart Airport. This new crime lab was carefully designed from the ground up to meet our current and future needs for processing evidence. The result will be improved efficiency and better service for law enforcement agencies throughout the region."

Currently, Stewart Airport employs approximately 2,700 people, contributes about $450 million in economic activity to the region and generates more than $160 million in annual wages and salaries. Additionally, more than half the capital projects initiated by the Port Authority at Stewart have been awarded to local firms and contractors, including the construction of the crime lab that also preserves local civilian jobs at the lab and provides job opportunities for local contractors.