Lake Clear, NY, Jan 16, 2012 — A new debate is underway over the future of the Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear. Traffic at the airport is growing, with more than 11,500 passengers using Cape Air's commuter flights last year. Supporters say that brings a big boost to the Tri-Lakes economy.

But state and local officials also say cost overruns, mismanagement and a lack of political support for the airport could threaten its future.

Brian Mann has our story.  Go to full article

Lake Clear, NY, Aug 15, 2011 — Several rural airports across the North Country dodged a major bullet recently, as Congress continues to debate whether or not to fund the Essential Air Service program.

Airports from Lake Clear to Watertown rely on the EAS program to fund their operations. But some lawmakers say it's time for the federal government to end subsidies for such facilities.

During a joint appearance in Lake Clear late last week, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer said EAS funding is critical to fueling job growth and healing an ailing North Country economy.

The senators also learned that EAS funding has provided a critical boost to the Adirondack Regional Airport, which is now offering at least one unsubsidized flight per day during the summer months. Chris Morris reports.  Go to full article

Saranac Lake, NY, Aug 12, 2011 — New York's two U.S. Senators will make rare joint appearances in the Adirondacks today. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Boonville, NY, Jul 25, 2011 — Whether it's from a float plane, a little two-seater, or even one of those little commercial jets, the aerial view of the North Country is unforgettable. You can see the whole topography of the Adirondack range, topped by the high peaks. There are vast skeins of wetlands, rivers, lakes and ponds, and villages stitched together with ribbons of roadways.

The network of airstrips across northern New York is less obvious, but there are just enough to host a community of private planes and their pilots. The airfield in Boonville is typical of the smallest private airfields. It's really just that: a flat, well-mowed grassy field. But it does have its own gas pump. Here's today's Heard Up North.  Go to full article

Dexter, NY, Mar 12, 2009 — The Watertown airport is moving ahead with expansion plans that could bring larger planes and larger airlines into the North Country. Martha Foley has more.  Go to full article

Jan 21, 2008 — Since airline de-regulation in the 1970s, America's small towns have struggled to find companies and passengers willing to use their airports. Here in the North Country, five airports are currently without service following the collapse of Big Sky airlines. Two new carriers have applied to take over those routes. But as Brian Mann reports, the number of airlines willing to serve rural airports is dwindling, despite Federal subsidies that total more than 100 million dollars a year.  Go to full article

Jan 21, 2008 — Michael Boyd, who heads the Boyd Group based in Colorado, has emerged as one of the most outspoken critic of Federal EAS subsidies nationwide. But according to Boyd, North Country airports need and deserve taxpayer money to serve their isolated communities.  Go to full article

Dec 24, 2007 — Federal officials have issued an emergency order designed to compel Big Sky airlines to keep flying in the North Country until a replacement airline is found. The US Department of Transportation issued the order late last week, requiring Big Sky to continue operations for at least 90 days. Big Sky officials say they hope to shut down on January 7th. Todd Moe has more.  Go to full article

Sep 16, 2004 — The Environmental Protection Agency says it might impose new restrictions on airports. Officials with the EPA say de-icing chemicals used on planes and taxiways can contaminate surface water. The Great Lakes Radio Consortium's Celeste Headlee reports.  Go to full article

Mar 26, 2003 — A recent decision by the Department of Transportation did not completely rule out the possibility of air service to Albany for passengers from Massena and Ogdensburg airports. A petition by the upstate communities to change the destination hub from Pittsburgh was denied. But North Country Congressman John McHugh says there's still the possibility for future negotiations.  Go to full article