Clinton County Legislature backs SkyWest as preferred EAS provider and approves airport renovation bid

The Clinton County Legislature on Jan. 10 recommended SkyWest Airlines to the United States Department of Transportation as Plattsburgh International Airport's preferred Essential Air Service (EAS) provider and approved a package of airport-related resolutions, including a bid award for renovation work at the airport.

Legislator Robert Hall, reporting for the Plattsburgh International Airport Committee, said the committee reviewed six proposals and unanimously recommended SkyWest. "SkyWest Airlines will be branded United Express and as such will have tremendous connectivity out of Dulles," Hall said, citing the carrier's linking options.

The committee credited consultant Jack Penning of Volaire Aviation and Airport Manager Chris Kreig with helping secure a carrier that offers broader connectivity. Hall said Penning’s role was “essential in the search for an airline with a wide selection of connecting flights.”

Legislator Mark Dame said the potential SkyWest service helps justify the county’s prior $40 million investment in airport infrastructure and argued the service could bolster Plattsburgh’s business community and generate operating revenue through parking and facility charges. Chairperson Harry McManus said the recommendation was the culmination of more than a decade of local effort.

The Legislature approved a series of resolutions related to airport work and other business. Resolutions #10–#26 were adopted; the Legislature subsequently waived Rule 13.2 on a motion by Legislator Christopher Rosenquest, seconded by Legislator Robert Hall (vote recorded 9-0-0). Resolutions #27–#34 were approved. Resolution #35, titled “Awarding Bid for Renovation of Three Multi-Purpose Buildings Project and Renovation of Two Industrial Buildings Project - Upstate Airport Initiative (UAI) Bid Package No. 5 - Plattsburgh International Airport,” was carried 9-0-0. Legislator Rosenquest noted concern that the low bid for the project exceeded monies that had been allocated to the work. Resolution #36 was later approved.

County Attorney James Coffey asked the Legislature to go into executive session to discuss opioid litigation and litigation involving Associated Builders, Inc. and Luck Brothers, Inc. versus Clinton County related to the airport; the session occurred later in the meeting. County Administrator Michael Zurlo reported he had no additional items.

The Legislature’s recommendation on SkyWest will be forwarded to the U.S. Department of Transportation; a separate approval by the New York State Department of Transportation was cited as a conditional step in local remarks. No formal change to airline service was enacted at the meeting; committee recommendation and the resolution approvals were the formal actions taken by the Legislature.

The meeting adjourned at 7:41 p.m.