In early October 2025, amid a federal government shutdown entering its second week, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem released a short public service announcement video directed at air travelers. The video is being displayed on monitors at TSA security checkpoints in airports nationwide (though some airports, like Westchester County Airport and airports in Portland, Cleveland, L.A., Phoenix, and Seattle, have opted not to show it due to its partisan tone.
Noem emphasizes TSA’s commitment to safety and efficiency: “It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe.” But she then goes on to say, “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”
County Executive Ken Jenkins said, “Westchester County has reviewed the request from the Department of Homeland Security to replace the REAL ID video with a Public Service Announcement (PSA) that was released by United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, and our message is clear: it is inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the values we expect from our nation’s top public officials. The PSA politicizes the impacts of a federal government shutdown on TSA Operations, and the County finds the tone to be unnecessarily alarmist – particularly as it relates to operations at Westchester County Airport. This video will not be displayed at Westchester County Airport.
“At a time when we should be focused on ensuring stability, collaboration and preparedness, this type of messaging only distracts from the real issues, and undermines public trust. As County Executive, I believe our residents deserve clear, honest and nonpartisan communication—especially when it comes to national security, government shutdown impacts, and public safety.
“In Westchester County, we’re committed to keeping our Airport running efficiently and safely, regardless of political games in Washington. The County will continue to coordinate with federal agencies to ensure that Airport operations remain secure and uninterrupted for our travelers throughout any federal government shutdown,” said Jenkins.
In other Westchester Airport news, the County has sent out RFP’s for a terminal redesign to 11 pre-qualified firms. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins said: “It’s time that the Westchester County Airport reflects the high quality and character of the community it serves. When flying out of HPN, we want our passengers to be safe, and we also want them to be able to sit down, wait for their flight, and enjoy simple things like a cup of coffee — at this moment, that isn’t possible. This planning effort represents an important first step toward changing that.”
The modernization initiative aims to bring the decades-old terminal in line with today’s industry standards and passenger expectations, while maintaining the County’s full ownership and control of airport operations.
The Pre-Qualification Board met in August, followed by the Professional Selection Board in September, approving eleven firms to participate in the RFP process. Prior to these meetings, the County’s Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) conducted national research to identify firms with strong expertise in terminal concept planning and design. The firms are:
AECOM USA, Inc. (New York, NY)
Arup US, Inc. (New York, NY)
Burns & McDonnell EGS, PC (Kansas City, MO)
DACK Consulting Solutions Inc. (White Plains, NY; WBE)
Dattner Architects D.P.C. (New York, NY; WBE)
Gensler Architecture, Design & Planning, PC (New York, NY)
HNTB (New York, NY)
Parsons Corporation (New York, NY)
Perkins Eastman (New York, NY)
T.Y. Lin International, Engineering & Architecture, PC (New York, NY)
WSP USA, Inc. (Valhalla, NY)
The RFP calls for a comprehensive feasibility study that will produce distinct terminal modernization concepts that must include:
Maintaining the existing terminal footprint, while allowing full reimagination of the current 96,000 sq. ft., three-level structure and its 700-linear-foot frontage.
Utilizing adjacent areas that may be repurposed, such as frontage roadways, loading dock areas, and rental car quick-turn and ready lots.
Throughout the RFP process and future phases, the County will uphold all Terminal Use Regulations (TUR) governing airport operations, including the 240-passenger-per-half-hour rule. Proposals are due in December 2025. Following review, the selection committee will make a recommendation to the County Executive for final approval. The County will also brief the Airport Advisory Board at its upcoming meeting on October 15, 2025, to provide an overview of the RFP scope and project timeline.
Jenkins added: “This project will help ensure the airport keeps pace with demand, improves the travel experience, and continues to be an economic driver for Westchester County.”
