All Systems Go

 Funding for expansion study has Plattsburgh International Airport flying high

Story and photos by Matt Kipp

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved funding for a study to determine whether the Plattsburgh International Airport is ready to expand. "When County personnel went down and talked to the FAA they indicated that due to the fact we have grown so quickly, they are willing to fund a study to analyze whether or not expansion was suitable,"says County Administrator Michael E. Zurlo, of the Clinton County Legislature.  He says that a study must be done to evaluate space and needs for the future of the airport.

The FAA has approved this study to determine what an expansion would look like. "When you do an expansion like this, it’s like plans for a house, you have to have the plans presented and approved and that is what we are in the process of doing," says County Legislator Dr. Robert W. Heins. 

“The FAA has been amazingly helpful on this."

The Plattsburgh International Airport, formally the Clinton County Airport, was built on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base and opened on June 18, 2007.

The airport used the Military Assistance Program (MAP) to fund the Plattsburgh International Airport.  Part of the tax taken from every flight goes into a national fund that is controlled by the Federal Government.  This collection of money helps fund facilities that have lost their military base. "You have to apply and be accepted in the program.  Then you present your project to the FAA and they will either approve or disapprove,"says Heins.

“They realize that we might be outgrown."        

“We had 2,000 people flying out a year at it [Clinton County Airport].  This year we expect 60,000 at the International,"says Heins.  The Clinton County terminal had a 5,000 foot runway and two flights per week, and the International Airport has an 11,000 foot runway and has up to 16 flights per week.

The Federal and New York State government used an estimated $100 million to convert the Air Force Base, leaving the airport free of debt.  The Federal Government contributed 95% of the funding.  According to Vice President of Economic Development for the Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce, Sue Matton, this is how the airport can offer attractive prices on tickets and free short-term and long-term parking. 

Free Wi-Fi service is available throughout the terminal. And it also offers a gourmet snack bar with fresh sandwiches, Nathan's Hot Dogs, peanuts, fresh fruit, candy, chips and pastries.  Beverages include Green Mountain Coffee, hot chocolate, tea, soda, juice and bottled water.  Matton says,"It is doing fantastically!  It’s better than anyone expected, even for those who were very optimistic about it."

Three airlines, Matton adds, now serve the airport, each achieving a higher-than-expected degree of success. Allegiant Air offers travelers non-stop all jet service to three destinations in Florida: Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and St. Petersburg/Tampa.  Cape Air offers daily non-stop flights to Boston, MA.  Direct Air offers non-stop all jet service to Myrtle Beach, SC and Punta Gorda, FL.  These airlines have helped"Montreal’s U.S. Airport"flourish over the past 18 months.

The airport has only one runway for large planes. "The Allegiant and Direct planes are both large planes, Matton says. "Sometimes those flights are close in times, so we need another runway."The airport already has a spot for the new runway; it just has not been built yet.

In an article by the Press Republican, the airport has its"Eyes on NYC".  According to Zurlo, this article,"is a tad misleading."He says,"There is no specific talk on what to do.  The FAA approved a study to analyze expansion plans."The airport has been working with a variety of airlines and they,"look to expand service when airlines are ready to do so,"Matton says.   The airport reportedly has no new airlines coming in at this time.

“We need to have more capacity for everything.  All of the facilities at the airport are doing really well and expansion is hoped to be accomplished,"Matton says.  According to a press release on January 30, 2009, the airport is initiating plans for a major expansion of its passenger terminal.  They are looking to expand the parking lot, the baggage area, gate area, airline counter space, food services, and potential international arrivals facility.  This expansion should benefit the area and help to generate revenue. "We have simply outgrown the facility,"says Heins. 

Heins says,"It does have the ability to expand as we are about to find out-I hope."As of now there are no precise details on what the expansion plans will be. "It is not like we are putting a shuttle on the ground tomorrow,"Zurlo says.  Once the FAA has finished their study it will be time for the anticipated plan to be revealed.  

What do you think about this expansion?