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Ithaca, NY - In an important victory for the people of Tompkins County, Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) today announced that he successfully helped secure a $500,000 grant for Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport to market air service to the region and attract new air service. Hinchey personally spoke with U.S. Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta to lobby him for approval of the grant, which will help spur the local economy and attract new airlines, thus lowering the cost of tickets for customers.
"This federal grant has been a long time coming and I am delighted that all of our hard work has finally paid off," Hinchey said. "With numerous colleges and cutting edge businesses, air travel needs in this area are substantial, but the erosion of air service has produced a lack of competition and very high airfares, causing travelers to look elsewhere for more reasonable prices and more choices. This grant will help promote the airport, thus providing greater service and lower prices. Additionally, an improved local airport will help spur the economy and attract new businesses to the area. Today, is a great day for Tompkins County."
The federal grant will allow the airport to market air service to the region, and to cover start up and transition costs for the airport during the first year of new carrier operations. This would improve air service at the ITRA and would be a good investment in the economic growth in upstate New York.
During the past few years, Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport has seen a reduction in its airline tenants, going from three carriers down to one. The single carrier status and consequent loss of competition is reflected in the very high cost of buying an airline ticket in Ithaca. Even though the community is struggling to deal with many other fiscal problems, it has, nevertheless, been able to assemble local financial pledges of support from businesses and educational institutions. This, together with additional help from the New York State Legislature, has resulted in a combined total of over $100,000 to support the application for $500,000 in federal funds.
"Maurice Hinchey's assistance was invaluable in helping us secure these funds to improve air travel options in Tompkins County," said Charles Hamilton, Business Development Coordinator for the airport. "His office provided technical assistance, he wrote letters of support and personally called Transportation Secretary Mineta on our behalf. We couldn't have had this success without the support of community partners and leaders like Congressman Hinchey."
In addition to calling and speaking with Secretary Mineta, Hinchey also sent several letters in support of the grant over the past two years.
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