Senator Charles E. Schumer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 21, 2005

Schumer Applauds New Stewart Growth Possibilities

Schumer Praises Completion of Report, Looks Forward To Next Steps

Schumer Has Lead The Fight To Expand Stewart and Bring Low-Cost Air Service To Hudson Valley

U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today announced his support to for Stewart’s continued growth and renewed his commitment to bringing low-cost air service to the Hudson Valley. Schumer, who has led the fight to improve Stewart’s facilities and services, said today’s growth plan presents both promise and opportunity for Stewart.

“The development of this master plan is an important step forward in Stewart growth," said Schumer. “We have a grand vision for the future and realistic steps for achieving these goals. This will take a strong commitment from the community, and support from state and federal agencies. I have strongly supported the efforts to make Stewart a thriving airport for the Hudson Valley, and I will continue to do everything I can to help bring in low-cost passenger flights, more cargo business, and resources to build the infrastructure that is needed to make the vision for Stewart a reality.”

In June 2004, Schumer announced that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) had agreed, at his request, to send new security screeners and add a second security screening lane at Stewart. Because of a shortage of screeners, airport officials were concerned that screening personnel levels would not be enough to accommodate new Independence Air and Southeast flights headed to the airport. TSA also agreed to staff flights after 8 p.m., including the new Independence Air flight at 8:55 p.m. The lack of a second security screening lane had caused delays during Stewart’s busiest hours of the weeks, when wait times can sometimes exceed an hour, according to airport officials.

Last year, Schumer introduced Independence Air CEO Kerry Skeen to the Hudson Valley by bringing him to Stewart to unveil his new jet and meet with local business leaders. In November of 2003, Schumer helped pave the way for new low-fare service to Upstate New York by getting the Justice Department to block a hostile takeover of Independence Airline by Mesa Airlines. Schumer, as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, urged the Justice Department Anti-trust Division to investigate Mesa's attempt to see if the company might have been engaging in anti-competitive behavior. Mesa dropped plans for the takeover upon learning that the Justice Department was considering conducting an investigation citing regulatory issues.

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