Today’s announcement is taking place without that grant having been secured.

At that time of the letter-writing campaign, Chamber President Garry Douglas said the chamber always believed the new airport’s first success would be with a low-cost carrier to a vacation destination.

Myrtle Beach Direct began offering flights as low as $99 one way from Niagara Falls in 2007. That airport, with its proximity to Toronto, is seen as similar to Plattsburgh International and its proximity to Montreal.

Allegiant Air started Nov. 16 offering flights from Plattsburgh International to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is now operating at near capacity on most flights and has added additional flights to Orlando.

Today’s announcement and the success of Allegiant shows the Montreal market is willing to fly out of Plattsburgh, local officials say.

Other incentives for Canadians to use Plattsburgh International include lack of congestion, lower cost and free parking.

E-mail Dan Heath at:

dheath@pressrepublican.com