U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer Tuesday urged the Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve nearly $1 million in funding for the Elmira Corning Regional Airport (ELM). The funding would be allocated through the Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) and will expand access to destinations, support the regional economy and draw carriers to Elmira Corning Regional Airport.
“Expanded air service in and out of Elmira Corning Regional Airport would be a shot in the arm for the Southern Tier’s economy,” said Senator Schumer. “Local companies and residents need access to new destinations and this funding does just that. Expanded route options will support ELM’s continued efforts to enhance the passenger experience, build capacity and improve accessibility and I urge the Department of Transportation to heed my calls and approve this critical funding. Access to air service is critical to the vibrancy and sustainability of regional economies, and I will keep fighting to ensure that airports like ELM have the resources they need to serve Upstate residents and businesses.”
“I am thankful for Senator Schumer’s support on this very important issue. The Elmira-Corning Regional Airport is a tremendous asset to the Southern tier. Hopefully this grant will open up more national and international opportunities,” Tom Santulli, Chemung County Executive.
Schumer explained that Elmira Corning Regional Airport has served the Southern Tier of Central New York and Northern Tier of Central Pennsylvania for decades. It is an essential component of the fabric of the region and conveniently located off of a federal interstate, I-86 and near robust aeronautical infrastructure. Over the past 11 years, Elmira Corning Regional Airport has seen its enplanements nearly double, it boasts over 312,000 passengers annually, and is embarking on an ambitious overhaul to its terminal, making it an ideal location for expanded air service.
Schumer said ELM supports business and leisure travelers and offers convenient access to major urban areas. Larger airports in major urban centers like Rochester, Syracuse or Buffalo require over two hour drives to access, which can be an unfair burden to Southern Tier residents and business owners. Additionally, the Elmira Corning area is home to many major employers, companies of all sizes including the headquarters of Corning Inc., a Fortune 500 company. Access to reliable and diverse air service is essential to the economic vitality of the region, ensuring that existing business are able to thrive and new businesses are able to form.
