SCHUMER JOINS FIGHT TO EXPAND AIR SERVICE AT ELMIRA CORNING REGIONAL AIRPORT; PUSHES DOT TO APPROVE CRITICAL FUNDING TO BRING NEW ROUTE FOR SOUTHERN TIER RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES

Federal Funds Critical to Effort to Bring New Route to Fly from Elmira to Newark

Funding Could Further Connect Elmira to Domestic and Global Destinations

U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer today urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve nearly $1 million in funding for the Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM). The funding would be allocated through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) and will expand access to destinations, support the regional economy and draw carriers to Elmira Corning Regional Airport.

“Expanded air service in and out of Elmira Corning Regional Airport would be a shot in the arm for the Southern Tier’s economy,” said Senator Schumer. “Local companies and residents need access to new destinations and this funding does just that. Expanded route options will support ELM’s continued efforts to enhance the passenger experience, build capacity and improve accessibility and I urge the Department of Transportation to heed my calls and approve this critical funding.  Access to air service is critical to the vibrancy and sustainability of regional economies, and I will keep fighting to ensure that airports like ELM have the resources they need to serve Upstate residents and businesses.”  

“I am thankful for Senator Schumer’s support on this very important issue. The Elmira-Corning Regional Airport is a tremendous asset to the Southern tier. Hopefully this grant will open up more national and international opportunities,” Tom Santulli, Chemung County Executive. 

Schumer explained that Elmira Corning Regional Airport has served the Southern Tier of Central New York and Northern Tier of Central Pennsylvania for decades. It is an essential component of the fabric of the region and conveniently located off of a federal interstate, I-86 and near robust aeronautical infrastructure. Over the past 11 years, Elmira Corning Regional Airport has seen its enplanements nearly double, it boasts over 312,000 passengers annually, and is embarking on an ambitious overhaul to its terminal,  making it an ideal location for expanded air service.

Schumer said ELM supports business and leisure travelers and offers convenient access to major urban areas. Larger airports in major urban centers like Rochester, Syracuse or Buffalo require over two hour drives to access, which can be an unfair burden to Southern Tier residents and business owners. Additionally, the Elmira Corning area is home to many major employers, companies of all sizes including the headquarters of Corning Inc., a Fortune 500 company. Access to reliable and diverse air service is essential to the economic vitality of the region, ensuring that existing business are able to thrive and new businesses are able to form.

A Copy of Schumer’s letter appear below:

Brooke Chapman, Associate Director

Small Community Air Service Development

Dear Ms.  Chapman,

I am pleased to write in support of the application submitted by Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM) for funding through the Small Community Air Service Development Program. Such funding will enable airport administration to build upon the strong work already done to establish ELM as a regional air service hub, by attracting a sustainable and highly desirable new service for the airport, that will expand access to destinations, increase passenger utilization and support the needs of existing business.

Elmira Corning Regional Airport, located in New York’s Chemung County, is a municipally owned and operated facility that has served the Southern Tier of Central New York and Northern Tier of Central Pennsylvania since 1945. The airport offers a convenient location, directly off of I-86, a major interstate. This coupled with its robust aeronautical infrastructure, and increases in service options has resulted in growth of the facility and utilization. In 11 years, Elmira Corning Regional Airport has seen its enplanements nearly double, boasting over 312,000 passengers annually. Presently, the airport is undergoing an ambitious $58M terminal renovation that will increase capacity and further enhance the passenger experience.

The Elmira Corning Regional Airport is an essential component of the fabric of the region. It supports business and leisure travelers and offers convenient access to major urban areas. Larger airports in major urban centers like Rochester, Syracuse or Buffalo require over two hour drives to access, and therefore this airport has become a critical component to the region’s economy and quality of life. The Elmira Corning area is home to many major employers, companies of all sizes including the headquarters of Corning Inc., a Fortune 500 company. Access to reliable and varied air service is essential to the economic vitality of the region, ensuring that existing business is able to thrive and is a major tool to recruit new opportunity for continued growth.

The SCASDP grant will provide Chemung County the opportunity for a revenue guarantee in support of new regional jet service from Elmira Corning Regional Airport to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), connecting the region to new U.S. domestic markets as well as a significant number of international destinations, many of which are of critical importance to regional industry. Chemung County has assembled a consortium of support and commitment from many area stakeholders, all invested in seeing local air service capacity increase. This community collaboration is evidenced by the commitments of $177,500 in community guarantees, County administration has been able to raise, to augment a SCADSP grant.

I ask that you please give this application your full consideration. A SCASDP grant will enable Chemung County to continue to provide reliable air service to the region. Should you have any questions or need further info information please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer

United States Senator

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