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### THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Charles E. Schumer United States Senate Washington, DC 20510 Dear Senator Schumer: September25, 2013 ,...-, .-· .... ·-**~~;** ... :_.**~ {~** 

Thankyou for your letter supportingthe application submitted by the Plattsburgh International Airport for a grantunder the U.S. Department ofTransportation's Small CommunityAir Service DevelopmentProgram. The Small Community Air Service Development Program was establishedto help smaller communities address air service deficiencies, particularly issues related to highairfares or insufficient service. Under the statute, the Depattment may make a maximum of40 grant awards each year, althoughno morethan four awards may beto communities in the same State. Inorderto provide communities withlatitude in developing solutions to their air service deficiencies, the statuteprovides flexibility 

### inthe types ofprojectsthat canbefunded. On June 24, the Department issued an order setting a deadline ofJuly 26 for applications. As these grant requests are pending before the Department, I cannot comment onthe merits ofany particularproposal. I assure you that the Department will give full and fair considerationto all proposals that have been properly filed. As is our standardpractice, I amplacing a copy ofyour letter and this response inDocket DOT-OST-2013-0120 as a contact outside the record ofthis matter. I appreciate yourinterest in this program.

Anthony R. Fox.x**~** CHARLES E. SCHUMER NEW YORK**COMMlTIEE~i'** 

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The Honorable Anthony Foxx Secretary U.S. Department ofTransportation 400 

## 7'11 Street, SW Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Secretary: WASHINGTON, DC 20510 July 10,2013 BANKING DEMOCRATIC POLICY & COMMUNICATIONS FINANCE JUDICIARY

RULES

lam pleased to write in support ofthe application submitted by the Plattsburgh International Airport for $200,000 in funding under the Small CommunityAir Service Development Grant Program. Such funding will enable the Airport to expand and improve service in the region. Located in Clinton County one hour south ofMontreal, Plattsburgh International Airpmt is categorized as a primary commercial service airport and serves as the key a1rport for the region. Since beginning passenger service in 2007, the Airport has expanded its service to include several commercial airlines, most prominently partnering with PenAir to provide service to and from Boston. The Airport is also a vital hub for companies in the region and provides access to critical economic prospects. With funding, Plattsburgh International Airp01t will be able to engage in an intensive and sustained marketing effort in partnership with PenAir, with the aim ofexpanding hub connections. The North Country Chamber ofCommer;;;e_will actively assist with the proposed marketing effort. While enplanements for the airport's low cost vacation destination services have steadily grown, its hub service has not achieved its potential due to an inability to engage in sufficient, sustained market development for it. The Airport aims to boost the daily Boston service now provided by PenAir under the Essential Air Service Program. Expanded services 

### will increase the Airport's economic impact in the region, and I applaud Plattsburgh International Airport for its foresight. l sincerely hope the application meets with your approval. Thank you for your consideration. For additional information, please to do not hesitate to contact me or my Grants Director, MarissaEmanuel, in my Washington office at 202-224-6542.

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Charles E. Schumer United States Senator

http:f!schwrTier.senate.gov