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Tompkins County Legislature votes to close customs facility at Ithaca Tompkins Airport, 13–1
Summary
After extended debate about costs, usage and alternative uses, the legislature voted 13–1 to end operations of the airport customs facility; officials cited a $273,000 shortfall and only a few dozen international movements this year.
The Tompkins County Legislature voted 13–1 on Oct. 1 to close the customs facility at Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport after hearing a string of concerns about persistent operating losses and low utilization. Committee members said the facility incurred roughly $273,000 in recent operational costs while generating about $15,000 in revenue, a gap that persuaded a majority of lawmakers to end customs operations now and seek alternative, airport‑related uses for the building.
Roxanne, the airport manager, told legislators the county has been coordinating with state Department of Transportation and bonding partners to ensure any repurposing would meet grant and bond rules — uses must be airport‑related and accessible to the public. She also reported modest customs use: "Six through May but we've had 26 through the end of September," she said, noting the limited number of international arrivals this year. Opponents of the closure, including one legislator who voted no, urged continued support for the airport as a regional economic engine and warned of the long‑term value of maintaining customs capability. Supporters countered that staffing and operating costs — including a dedicated TSA position — make the customs facility unsustainable in its current form and emphasized the option to reapply for customs services if demand changes. The motion carried 13–1; members noted it does not preclude future applications to reopen the facility if conditions change.
