PLATTSBURGH — Efforts to get Plattsburgh International Airport designated a “port of entry” are in full swing once again.
On April 17, NY-21 Congresswoman Elise Stefanik reintroduced the bipartisan Border Airport Fairness Act to designate Plattsburgh International Airport as a port of entry, which would save the airport around $800,000 per year.
“The Border Airport Fairness Act will save Plattsburgh International Airport hundreds of thousands of dollars in costs by ensuring that it receives the designation it deserves,” Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) wrote.
“My legislation makes certain that Plattsburgh International Airport is equipped with the resources it needs to continue meeting the transportation needs of Upstate New York and North Country families and continue to provide access for tourists visiting our region.”
PBG is one of two airports in the United States in close proximity to a land or border crossing — Valley International Airport in Harlingen, Texas being the second — that are currently deemed user-fee Primary Commercial Service airports, and are not international or landing rights airports, that have yet to be designated already as a port of entry.
“This bill is great news for our airport and the people who rely on it. Removing the user-fee burden will help us put those dollars back into operations, maintenance, and future improvements,” Clinton County Legislator Bobby Hall (D-Area 10, City of Plattsburgh) who chairs the county’s Airport Committee, said.
“We appreciate Congresswoman Stefanik’s continued support for keeping our airport strong and sustainable.”
Being designated as user-fee airports, like PBG is now, requires the airports to pay out of pocket for U.S. Customs and Border Protection services such as security screenings, cargo security and examinations and immigration inspections.
“Plattsburgh International Airport is one of our region’s most significant economic drivers, and this legislation addresses a longstanding barrier to its continued growth,” Mark Henry, Clinton County Legislature Chairperson (R-Area 3, Chazy), said.
“Eliminating the financial strain of user-fee status will allow for smarter reinvestment in infrastructure and services. I commend Congresswoman Stefanik for her leadership in advancing a solution that enhances regional competitiveness and long-term sustainability.”
“This bill is only fair, treating Plattsburgh International the same as so many other airports,” Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce, said.
“Its adoption would secure our airport Customs operation permanently and thereby support the development of new international air activities here. and it would free valuable resources for airport marketing, air service development and other improvements. We thank Congresswoman Stefanik for being our champion in the House and will continue to support her efforts on our behalf. Onward and upward!”
The county has been seeking to land this designation for several years. Stefanik, as well as U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, introduced similar legislation in 2023.
Stefanik’s most recently proposed bill has bipartisan support.
“I’m proud to work alongside Congresswoman Elise Stefanik on this bipartisan legislation to save South Texans and travelers from duplicative costs,” Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) said.
“As our region continues to rapidly grow, it’s essential that our airports and transportation infrastructure not only keep up with increased demand for commercial travel but also continue to support critical federal operations. This legislation is an investment in our future.”
Additionally, Stefanik wrote a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem last week, requesting the designation be made.
In her letter, Stefanik made it clear Plattsburgh International Airport qualifies as a port of entry under Customs and Border Protection criteria, but they have not yet received this designation which has resulted in increased costs for the airport and travelers flying in and out.
“The current passenger volume of Plattsburgh International Airport and land border crossings within 30 miles of PBG is sufficient to be designated as a port of entry,” she wrote.
Stefanik said Customs and Border Protection also previously changed the designation of New River Valley Airport in Dublin, Virginia from a user-fee status to a port of entry, setting a precedent for its ability to do so.
“Achieving this status is a federal priority for us and our county partners this year, by whatever method possible, be it legislative or administrative,” Douglas said.
“We thank the Congresswoman for her continued leadership and commitment on this endeavor and will continue to support all approaches.”