Printer-friendly Version

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 16, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON: KEY SENATE PANEL REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO ESSENTIAL AIR SERVICE AT SARANAC LAKE/ ADIRONDACK REGIONAL AIRPORT

Saranac Lake/ Adirondack Regional Airport receives $721,000 annually to provide air service for area residents and businesses

US Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate Appropriations Committee has reaffirmed its commitment to provide Essential Air Service (EAS) grants at the Saranac Lake/ Adirondack Regional Airport in the FY05 Senate Transportation, Treasury, and Appropriations Bill. The bill would ensure the Federal Aviation Association continues providing subsidies for this service in FY05. The Bill will now go to the Senate Floor.

"Having local and affordable air service in your region shouldn't be a special privilege reserved for a lucky few," Schumer said. "Regardless of how profitable it might be to companies, we need to extend the number of airports that offer frequent flights to desirable locations. Still, you can't blame the airlines for not serving areas that aren't profitable, because times are tough and they need to stay in business. It's the federal government's job to cover the difference so that the passengers and airlines can both win."

"There is no question that for tourism and business alike, regular air service to the North Country is an essential ingredient for economic development. We have to do everything we can to make it easier for people to visit and conduct business in places like Saranac Lake,” Senator Clinton said. “This is great news for the continued economic growth of the North Country."

EAS grants subsidize air service to and from small airports throughout the United States. They serve to ensure residents and businesses in these cities have air travel options by providing funding to airlines and airports to keep their flights running. Saranac Lake/ Adirondack Regional Airport receives $721,000 annually to support air service in the North Country.

###