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

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

Aug 01, 2001 — The regional head of the DEC was in Canton last night and faced questions about air quality permits for a planned chipboard plant in Lisbon. David Sommerstein reports.  Go to full article

Jun 12, 2001 — Now, state regulators are weighing their options. Environmentalists see the decision as a major victory against smokestack industry in the region, but economic developers say it's just a technicality.  Go to full article

Jun 05, 2001 — Environmentalists scored a victory in a fight against a chipboard manufacturing plant proposed for St. Lawrence County. A State Supreme Court judge vacated the DEC's premit for the plant. Martha Foley reports  Go to full article