On Tuesday, October 3rd, both US Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand announced $750,000 dollars in federal funding to help attract more air routes from Ithaca Tompkins International Airport.
“I am proud to have secured this federal investment for Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to help attract new direct flight services from Ithaca to our nation’s capital,” said Senator Schumer. “Access to air travel is critical to the success of the Upstate economy. It’s why I have fought relentlessly to deliver resources for this world-class facility to help our regional economy takeoff and I will continue to fight to bolster air service in Tompkins County to help the Southern Tier reach new heights.”
Funding came from the US Department of Transportation’s Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP). Both Schumer and Gillibrand said the funding will go to support efforts in improving the availability of service, including the potential introduction of a new direct flight to Washington D.C.
Roxan Noble, Airport Director, stated, “We are excited to receive this grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is a testament to the hard work and collective effort that our community has invested in improving air service at ITH. This funding will undoubtedly facilitate our mission to enhance connectivity and make air travel even more convenient for the people we serve.”
Continuing in their explanation, both Senators said Ithaca Tompkins International Airport has an important role in the Southern Tier’s economy with helping facilitate tourism, spur local economic growth, and creating good-paying jobs throughout the region.
Senator Gillibrand earlier this year wrote to Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, advocating for the funding of the project.
