"New York officials to address air service"

Monday, December 20, 2004

County to address air service; County GOP appoints new chief
Legislature also prepared to discuss comprehensive plan
BY ANDREW TUTINO
The Ithaca (NY) Journal


ITHACA -- A report from the Air Service Task Force and the potential
adoption of the Tompkins County Comprehensive Plan top the agenda for
Tuesday night's meeting of the Tompkins County Legislature. 

The task force has been studying ways to improve the airport by making it
more competitive in today's air travel marketplace. 

The task force made one presentation to the Legislature's Facilities and
Infrastructure Committee, and Tuesday's presentation before the full
Legislature will be a shorter version. 

Richard Booth, D-City of Ithaca, said the task force believes there is a
future for the Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport. 

"My sense is they see a path forward that is possible," Booth said. "They
are hopeful there is a path we can find to continue to provide air service.
They are convinced, for economic development and economic connections, the
airport is a significant factor." 

The task force will tell the Legislature about possible scenarios that exist
if US Airways stays in business or if it were to fold. Booth said there are
possibilities for other airlines to come here whether US Airways stays or if
it were to leave. 

"They are not dismayed by what we face," Booth said. "What we face is not
unique." 

Larger questions, outside of how many airlines service the airport, exist,
but that is an area the task force has not had enough time to fully study
yet, Booth said. 

"We have to explore whether the airport stays as a county department or
becomes something else, like an authority of some kind or a public-private
entity," Booth said. "I think the airport is an important factor. We need to
explore every means to make it a positive factor. 

"The business community and the university have said the airport is
important. What it takes to keep it going is a more complex discussion." 

The Legislature is also scheduled to vote on the adoption of the Tompkins
County Comprehensive Plan. Some municipalities have supported the plan while
others have not.


 Do you have an opinion about this story?
Share it with other readers in our CAA Discussion Forums

http://www.californiaaviation.org/dcfp/dcboard.php


*****************************************