ASSETS

Schumer said CommutAir's recent decision to give up its Essential Air Service contract is an opportunity to attract a new carrier to that program. He has heard interest is strong in providing that service.

Again, Montreal is the key, he said. It has only one airport, which can be difficult to get to and has higher fares due to its cost structure.

Plattsburgh is an easy, low-volume highway drive south. The 11,759-foot runway and 12 million-square-foot apron means it can accommodate any aircraft flying today, Schumer said.

Present and future aviation-related businesses, such as Pratt and Whitney and Laurentian Aerospace, can only help attract air service, he said. The creation of Plattsburgh Aeronautical Institute shows a qualified workforce will be available.

NEIGHBOR'S IMPACT

Plattsburgh and Clinton County are experiencing growth that demands additional air service, Schumer said. Also, Canadian firms are constantly seeking a location in the U.S. market.

Schumer said Canada's economic impact on the county has grown from $784 million in 1994 to $1.53 billion in 2004 and that 15 percent of the area workforce is employed at a Canadian or border-based employer, up from 7 percent in 1994.

That makes it even more important that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative -- which is poised to demand that land travelers show passports as early as 2008 -- gets changed. He has introduced legislation that would prohibit that requirement until 2009.

"I've always believed you can have security and commerce," Schumer said. "We didn't open up this beautiful new checkpoint up there (Champlain) to slow things down."

dheath@pressrepublican.com