PLATTSBURGH — The inauguration of the new U.S. Customs Inspection Station on Connecticut Road is the next milestone in the evolution of the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base, Garry Douglas said.
"This is the day we put 'international' in 'Plattsburgh International Airport,'" the North Country Chamber of Commerce President/CEO told those gathered at the new facility for a ribbon-cutting Thursday morning.
CAME TOGETHER
In 1993, Halloween came early when, for the first and last time, the Base Realignment and Closure program closed a base the air force did not want closed, Douglas said.
Though scary, spooky and unexpected, it caused the community — including the county, businesses and others — to come together.
"Not all base closure communities do that," Douglas said.
"It gave us the opportunity to come together behind a new vision of what we wanted the Plattsburgh area to be."
The new General Aviation Federal Inspection Station makes Plattsburgh a port of choice for general aviation aircraft entering the U.S., particularly from Quebec, Douglas continued.
"We want them to stop here and clear and we believe they will."
'OPEN FOR BUSINESS'
Clinton County Legislature Chair Harry McManus (D-Area 1) said the partnership between CBP and the Plattsburgh International Airport opens the door for international travel.
That provides new opportunities such as passenger service outside the U.S., reception of air cargo and general aviation from international destinations.
"The memo will read, from Clinton County to the world, 'We're open for business.'"
Area Port Director Steven Bronson said the men and women of CBP — many of whom grew up in this area — are excited to begin operations at the GA/FIS.
The new facilities will allow CBP to clear a wide range of aircraft including commercial, general aviation, military and those in need of repair or refurbishment, he continued.
"We envision welcoming vacationers, business visitors, international athletes and returning residents while fully completing our core Homeland Security mission."
CBP Buffalo Field Office Public Affairs Liaison Aaron Bowker told the Press-Republican that the GA/FIS will operate from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, to start.
The facility's opening prompted the creation of new positions, so staff are not being deferred from another place, he said.
THANKED OFFICIALS
Though Gov. Andrew Cuomo was not present for the press conference, Douglas thanked him for being the North Country's friend throughout the mission of developing the airport and praised the partnership and support of the state of New York.
Douglas said $5.5 million, supplemented by further funding secured by State Sen. Betty Little (R-Queensbury), allowed for the construction of customs facilities at the airport's main terminal, readying it for when international passenger service starts.
And over the last two years, the governor has brought in $38 million for 11 separate projects at the airport, including full funding of the GA/FIS, he continued.
"He and his administration are wedded to the vision of international air service here in this region."
Douglas also acknowledged Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville) and U.S. Sens. Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand for their involvement in the approval process for getting a port of entry established at the airport.
STAND-UP COMMUNITY
Little recalled driving around the area in 1995 with tears in her eyes over the former base's emptiness and wasted space and buildings.
"But we are an extraordinary community. Plattsburgh is a stand-up community that didn't take that sitting down."
She mentioned how, in 2023, Lake Placid will be hosting the World University Games for athletes from around the world.
"Everyone said, 'How are they going to get to the Adirondacks?' This is how," Little said, referring to the GA/FIS.
North Country Regional Economic Development Council Co-Chair and Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism CEO James McKenna said at least 2,500 athletes and delegations from around the world are expected to attend the university games.
In its bid documents, the organizing committee identified Plattsburgh as the port of entry for those competitions, from which it will provide ground transportation to events.
Hosting the games will allow the region to leverage other multi-sport international events into the future, McKenna said.
"What's happening today is exciting ... for not only Clinton County, the town, the city, but it's exciting for the whole region."
INVESTED
Assemblyman D. Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) commended the current and former county legislators for stepping up to the plate in the wake of the former base's closure.
He also congratulated Douglas and the chamber for seeing the vision and opportunity at the former base, as well as Bronson and his personnel.
"A bustling and flourishing economy happens when people and commerce move — you've probably heard Garry Douglas say that before," Jones said.
"We have done that here in the North Country and we have done it well."
Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Michael Cashman recounted how, as a small child, he looked to the sky and wondered where planes were going and coming from.
"Now know that, with this facility and the ongoing efforts of what so many partners are doing, the destination can be and will be Plattsburgh.
"That is a powerful and magical statement."
Email Cara Chapman:
Twitter: @PPR_carachapman
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