Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Essential Air Service topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Public commenters urge Clinton County to back PenAir over SkyWest for Essential Air Service
Summary
Three public speakers at the Feb. 14 Clinton County Legislature meeting urged the body to reverse its recommendation of SkyWest Airlines for the Essential Air Service contract and support PenAir, warning of taxpayer costs and the risk SkyWest could withdraw after 120 days.
Three members of the public urged the Clinton County Legislature on Feb. 14 to reconsider a recent recommendation in favor of SkyWest Airlines for the county's Essential Air Service (EAS) and instead support PenAir.
Geoff Barker told the Legislature its selection of SkyWest was a "big mistake," said the decision was costing taxpayers money and asked the Legislature to "weigh in favor of PenAir," adding that the Legislature was "abusing the New York State Department of Transportation." Kellen Lewis, who identified himself as an employee of PenAir, questioned why the county would agree to pay a higher subsidy to serve a smaller destination, saying the move represented "not growth, it is recession." Jeremy Carroll asked what contingency plan the Legislature had if SkyWest withdrew in 120 days and said PenAir wants to remain at Plattsburgh International Airport.
Why it matters: The EAS contract shapes which carrier and schedule serve Plattsburgh International Airport, affects the subsidy the county and federal program pay, and has implications for local air service reliability. Public commenters told legislators they fear higher subsidy costs and loss of continuity if the recommended carrier does not maintain service.
What the Legislature did: The public comments were heard during the open-comment portion of the Feb. 14 meeting; no formal motion or vote on the EAS selection was recorded in the meeting minutes excerpt provided.
What to watch next: The Airport Committee had polled Resolution #136 onto the agenda and the committee meets again Feb. 28; county officials and the Legislature may consider further action or formal recommendations about the EAS carrier before federal awards are finalized.
