FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2004

SCHUMER, CLINTON: CONGRESS APPROVES $2 MILLION FOR PLATTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Newly passed omnibus appropriations report contains $2 million to cover construction of new two-level passenger terminal

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that the Senate has passed the omnibus appropriations report that would send $2 million to construct a new terminal at the Plattsburgh International Airport. The report, also passed by the House, now awaits the President's signature.

"Transportation always affects a region's economy, and the relocation of the Clinton County Airport to the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base may just give the Plattsburgh economy a little lift. Air travel safety has become a national priority and along with the work that Garry Douglas has been doing, this project will really put Plattsburgh on the map," Schumer said.

"I am so pleased that we have secured funding for a second straight year for the Plattsburgh International Airport. Once complete, the airport stands to be an integral part of to the economies of Plattsburgh and the North Country. I want to thank Garry Douglas, President of the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce for his tireless advocacy on behalf of this project. I am very pleased that we were able to acquire funding for this worthwhile project. I was proud to work side by side with Senator Schumer and the rest of the New York Delegation on this. I am disappointed that the bill contained other provisions that I feel were harmful to the people of New York, but I am happy that we can move ahead on this," Senator Clinton said.

The money will help cover the construction of a new two level passenger terminal and improvements to roadways and parking facilities. The project will provide funding to construct a two level passenger terminal building that will contain ticketing, baggage and security services on the first floor and administration rooms and hold areas on the second floor. Funding will also be used for the construction of access and circular roadways, a parking area and utility extensions.

Clinton County will be relocating the existing airport general and commercial service from its existing location to the former military airport at Plattsburgh. Plattsburgh International Airport is located three miles south of the City of Plattsburgh.

The funding was included in the Omnibus conference report passed by the House and Senate. The report now awaits the President's signature.

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