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Stewart Airport - Congressman Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) this week sent a letter to The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Chairman Anthony Coscia to encourage the agency to make Stewart International Airport the New York City metropolitan area's fourth regional airport. The Port Authority recently allocated $150 million in its 10-year capital plan for the development of a fourth regional airport. It has also been reported that the agency is looking into acquiring the long-term lease for operating Stewart. Hinchey is currently working to reschedule a meeting with Coscia to discuss the matter in person.
The text of the letter Hinchey sent to Coscia follows:
December 18, 2006
Anthony Coscia, Chairman
The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
225 Park Avenue South, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10003
Dear Chairman Coscia:
I was encouraged to read recent news reports regarding the Port Authority's allocation of $150 million in its 10-year capital plan for the development of a fourth regional airport. As you know from my previous correspondence, I strongly believe that Stewart International Airport is ideally suited to serve as a fourth regional airport because of its location and accessibility to the New York City metropolitan area. While the recent funding announcement was not specific to Stewart Airport, I understand that this facility is very much under consideration in the Port Authority's planning process and studies. I am hopeful that these efforts will lead to increased cooperation and partnerships between your agency and the Airport.
I apologize that due to scheduling conflicts our tentative meeting in December had to be postponed. I do look forward to meeting with you in the near future to discuss this matter further. Along with other members of the New York congressional delegation, I have been and remain firmly committed to realizing the full potential of Stewart Airport. I believe that a long-term partnership with the Port Authority, including the possible assumption of the Airport lease by your agency, would significantly boost the Airport's prospects for continued growth while helping to ease the current air congestion challenges at the metropolitan airports.
Stewart Airport is uniquely positioned to mitigate the delays and congestion experienced by the three major metropolitan airports as well as serve the economic development needs of the Hudson Valley. As I'm sure you're aware, the state and federal governments have made and continue to make substantial investments in projects that advance Stewart Airport, including the recent completion of a new air control tower, substantial progress on the improved highway access to the airport from I-84 and the expected creation of a direct interchange between I-84 and I-87 over the next few years. In addition, MTA Metro North has been in discussions with Stewart Airport about a possible rail link extension directly to the Airport from the Port Jervis Metro North line. I will continue to support these initiatives and work to obtain additional federal resources to ensure the realization and success of these improvements.
Thank you again for your interest and attention to Stewart Airport. I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to discuss this matter.
Sincerely,
Maurice D. Hinchey |
