Schumer: Ogdensburg Runway Extension Will Allow Airport To Take Flight
Press Release
Today, at the Ogdensburg International Airport, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer urged the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve Ogdensburg's request to extend its runway by 1,200 feet. This runway expansion is necessary in order for Allegiant Air, which recently decided to offer flights from Ogdensburg, to land its planes. Schumer explained that Allegiant Air flies much larger planes than the ones that currently take off and land at Ogdensburg Airport, and these aircraft need a larger runway in order to operate. Schumer said that FAA approval would be the first major step in turning Ogdensburg Airport into a major regional air travel hub for residents of the North Country and Canada, which would be a major benefit to the local economy for decades to come.
"Allegiant Air is prepared to take off at Ogdensburg Airport, bringing North Country travelers more options and destinations and providing a major boon to the regional economy, but one factor is standing in its way -- an extension of the airport's current runway that is waiting on approval from the FAA," said Schumer. "This new runway is needed for the larger Allegiant planes to take off and land, and I am urging the FAA to approve the plans as soon as possible. These new flights -- and the extended runway -- will result in the creation of good-paying construction jobs, more tourist dollars and an improved climate for business, and I will fight tooth and nail to make sure this extension is swiftly approved so that the airport construction and increased service can take flight without any further delay."
Schumer explained that Ogdensburg International Airport recently signed a contract with Allegiant Air to offer flights from the airport. Schumer said that these new flights, and the potential increase in travelers, would be a huge boon for St. Lawrence County and the entire North Country economy. This agreement has the potential to increase traffic by tens of thousands of passengers per year, as the larger Allegiant jet planes carry more people and provide access to numerous other destinations around the country. Schumer noted that a strong airport, like what Ogdensburg is poised to become, will be in line for more federal dollars. Essential Air Service funds (EAS) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) dollars are awarded to airports with a certain number of passengers each year. These funds help keep our airports in top shape, and Schumer vowed to fight for Ogdensburg to receive that federal funding the moment it meets the minimum passenger threshold.
However, this development cannot take place until the FAA approves Ogdensburg's request to expand its runway by 1,200 feet. This expansion is needed because the airport's current runway cannot support Allegiant Air's larger jet planes. After extending the runway, the terminal would then be upgraded and linked to the city's water service.
In order to accommodate the runway expansion, approximately 2,000 feet of Route 6B would need to be relocated and additional fencing would need to be added. Schumer explained that this project cannot get off the ground without the FAA's approval of the runway extension and, therefore, he is urging the FAA to swiftly approve Ogdensburg's request for the expansion. Schumer has long fought for increased airline service to the North Country, as it has the potential to become a critical driver of growth in the local and regional economies.
Schumer was joined by Wade David, Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, Patrick Kelly, St. Lawrence County IDA Chairman; Karen St. Hilare, St. Lawrence County Administrator; John Putney, St. Lawrence County Legislator; and Ogdensburg City Officials.
"Senator Schumer knows there's no time to waste in getting this expansion approved," said Assemblywoman Addie Russell. "He's long fought for North Country air service and he's always supported that service with the federal dollars the North Country deserves. As a partner working in State government, I know how crucial these services are to our North Country economy and our tourism industry."
"The Ogdensburg Airport has real opportunity to grow, expand and become a real income generator for this county," said Wade Davis, Director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority. "Senator Schumer is a major partner in making our case to the FAA. He's also a major partner in helping us put our best plan forward. We will continue to work directly with the Senator as it relates to Ogdensburg's growth and role in the North Country economy."
As a result of the contract, the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority, which approved the agreement with Allegiant, also announced that it would create a four-year program aimed at attracting more commercial air carriers to the Ogdensburg Airport. Currently, Cape Air is the only commercial airline offering passenger service from the Ogdensburg International Airport.
Allegiant Air is owned by Allegiant Travel Co. and is based in Las Vegas. It operates in 98 cities across the country, including two cities in Upstate New York -- Plattsburgh and Syracuse. Allegiant's jet planes usually seat 156 to 223 passengers.
A copy of Senator Schumer's letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta is available upon request.
Source