Schumer, Clinton Secure $721,000 In Essential Air Service Money For Plattsburgh International Airport

US Senators Charles E. Schumer and Hillary Rodham Clinton today announced that Congress passed $721,000 in an Essential Air Service grant for the Plattsburgh International Airport. The funds are listed in the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations section of the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations bill. It is expected that the bill will be sent to the President in the coming weeks for his signature.

"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 Plattsburgh, 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.