Gillibrand Fights Attempt to Eliminate Essential Air Service -- Urges Senate to Pass FAA Bill with $73 Million Increase in Program

Press Release

As the Senate debates the FAA Reauthorization Bill, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today is fighting a proposal to eliminate Essential Air Service (EAS) and is urging her colleagues in the Senate to pass a $73 million increase for the program. The EAS program subsidizes service at small airports and provides communities with better air service. Currently, more than 150 communities rely on EAS for access to the nation's air transportation system. In New York, six airports depend on this critical program: Chautauqua County-Jamestown Airport, Massena International Airport, Ogdensburg International Airport, Plattsburgh International Airport, Adirondack Regional Airport, and Watertown International Airport.

"Access to air travel is critical for our economic recovery. Losing this funding would be devastating for many communities across the state. Businesses cannot grow if we do not provide communities in every corner of New York with adequate air service," Senator Gillibrand said. "The Essential Air Service Program is a vital lifeline for smaller airports across rural New York. It promotes economic growth and job creation in many communities that desperately need it."

Senator Gillibrand has advocated for increased investment in the EAS Program. While the FAA Reauthorization Bill includes an additional $73 million to $200 million for EAS, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) has introduced an amendment that would cut all funding for this critical program.

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