PLATTSBURGH — Critical funding for daily air service out of Plattsburgh International Airport, and four other North Country airports, is on the federal chopping block.
“Trump’s half-baked plan to cut the vital Essential Air Service program will hit the North Country first and hardest,” U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said.
“All five of the North Country’s airports rely on the federal EAS program, and without it many would lose these vital flights, hurting residents, businesses, universities and hampering tourism, as well.”
Schumer was referring to the federal program that subsidizes mostly rural underserved areas and allows airlines to operate and provide daily regional service for travelers.
LOCAL EAS FUNDING
The airport in the Town of Plattsburgh has benefitted greatly from EAS funding since it opened on the flight line of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 2007.
Current funding allows for daily flights to Washington, D.C. where travelers can connect to points elsewhere.
Previously, EAS funding helped provide service to Boston and Philadelphia.
Schumer said that in President Donald Trump’s budget proposal released last week, funding for the EAS program would be cut by, “a whopping 50%,” which would devastate residents, universities and businesses who rely on air service.
EAS also supports airports in Ogdensburg, Saranac Lake and Massena, all of which are in the 21st Congressional District of New York, which is represented by Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville).
“I’ve long fought to protect and boost the Essential Air Service program because I know how important it is for our rural communities like the North Country to get access to these flights to boost the local economy and connect area residents and businesses with national and international travel options,” Schumer said.
“Without this program, thousands of North Country residents would be left stranded having to travel hundreds of miles to get air service.”
Schumer said New York House Republicans need to to stand up and be vocal in their opposition to the cuts in Trump’s budget and protect the program for the North Country economy.
“That’s why I’m calling on New York House Republicans, including Congresswomen Stefanik and (Claudia) Tenney, whose districts would be impacted more than nearly anywhere else in the country, to stand up against Trump’s budget plan and beat back this very unwise cut,” Schumer said.
“We cannot let these callous cuts clear the runway and blow a crater in North Country airports’ budgets.”
LOCAL AIRPORTS
Schumer explained that all five of the airports in New York that rely on EAS are in the North Country and help support flights critically important to the local economy, including:
• Ogdensburg International Airport: round trip flights to Washington’s Dulles International Airport
• Massena International Airport: round trip flights to Boston-Logan International Airport
• Plattsburgh International Airport: round trip flights to Philadelphia International Airport
• Adirondack Regional Airport: round trip flights to Boston-Logan International Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport
• Watertown International Airport: round trip flights to Philadelphia International Airport
In Trump’s budget proposal, he calls to slash the EAS program by over $300 million next year, 50% of the program’s budget, gutting support for airports in the North Country.
OFFICIALS SPEAK OUT
News of the proposed funding cuts drew concern among Clinton County leaders.
“The Essential Air Service program has long played an important role in supporting reliable air travel options for our region’s residents and businesses. While we recognize the importance of fiscal responsibility, the proposed changes, as highlighted by the Senator, could significantly affect the accessibility and connectivity that are critical to the North Country’s economic growth and quality of life,” a statement from Clinton County Legislature Chairman Mark Henry (R-Area 3, Chazy) said.
“We hope to work with our federal partners to find a balanced approach that continues to meet the critical transportation needs of our rural communities.”
Town of Plattsburgh Supervisor Michael Cashman said Essential Air Service is vital for keeping communities like Plattsburgh connected to jobs, healthcare, education, and tourism.
“Without them rural regions face the risk of isolation and economic decline,” Cashman said.
“Keeping EAS fully funded should have bipartisan support.”