FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport Awarded SCASDP Grant to Enhance Air Service Connectivity

Ithaca, NY – October 3, 2023 – Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH) is excited to announce the receipt of the Small Community Air Service Development (SCASDP) Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation for the fiscal year 2022. This prestigious grant, totaling $750,000, serves as an endorsement of ITH’s commitment to expanding air service options and bolstering connectivity for the community.

The primary objective of the grant is to encourage an airline to introduce a new direct flight connecting Ithaca with Washington, D.C., creating greater accessibility for travelers in the region. This grant underscores ITH’s relentless dedication to meeting the evolving travel needs of our residents and visitors alike.

Roxan Noble, Airport Director, expressed her enthusiasm, “We are excited to receive this grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation. It is a testament to the hard work and collective effort that our community has invested in improving air service at ITH. This funding will undoubtedly facilitate our mission to enhance connectivity and make air travel even more convenient for the people we serve.”

The SCASDP Grant reflects a collaborative endeavor between ITH and several key community partners. Their steadfast support has been instrumental in securing this funding and advancing the airport’s strategic goals.

“I am proud to have secured this federal investment for Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to help attract new direct flight services from Ithaca to our nation’s capital,” said Senator Schumer. “Access to air travel is critical to the success of the Upstate economy. It’s why I have fought relentlessly to deliver resources for this world-class facility to help our regional economy takeoff and I will continue to right to bolster air service in Tompkins County to help the Southern Tier reach new heights.”

“The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport serves thousands of residents and visitors in Tompkins County and throughout the Southern Tier each year and it is vital that there is direct access to the nation’s capital,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This funding will help bolster economic development and ensure that the transportation needs of area residents and industries are met. I am excited to announce this funding and will continue fighting to support airports across New York State.”

Congressman Molinaro shared, “As a member of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, I’ve been fighting for our local airports to create jobs and economic opportunities in our communities. This $750,000 federal grant is part of that effort and will help establish a new direct flight connecting Ithaca Tompkins International Airport to Dulles International Airport. Adding a new route allows Ithaca and the surrounding region to grow.”

Lisa Holmes, Tompkins County Administrator, emphasized, “The Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is continuing to find creative and strategic ways to draw investment and improve air service for the flying public. Kudos to our Airport staff and the community partners working hard to support increased air service. I am delighted that we are diligently working toward increasing the number of hubs that can be accessed from Tompkins County.”

Shawna Black, Chairwoman of the Tompkins County Legislator, noted, “This federal funding is a welcome and timely investment in our Airport. Air service is still recovering from so many drastic industry shifts over the past three years. I appreciate the dedication of our Airport staff and Air Service Board leadership, together our goal is to increase flights in and out of Tompkins County. This funding will help us attract a new route to serve our residents and visitors, I speak for the whole Legislature when I thank the U.S. Department of Transportation for this investment.”

“The convenience of local air service is indispensable for both leisure and business travelers alike. It contributes to the community’s vitality and provides an indispensable asset for businesses and residents alike,”said Heather McDaniel, President of Ithaca Area Economic Development. “The SCASD funding will provide the fuel for ITH to increase service and grow its role as an economic driver for Ithaca and Tompkins County.”

“Cornell University congratulates Ithaca Tompkins International Airport on winning this grant to help restore direct air service to Washington, D.C., a vital destination and gateway for our faculty, staff, students, and community members,” said Joel M. Malina, Cornell’s vice president for university relations. “We greatly appreciate the Department of Transportation’s investment in the future growth of our region.”

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport expresses its gratitude to the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing our dedication to serving our community’s air travel needs. The SCASDP Grant is a vital step forward in our journey toward fostering greater connectivity and convenience for all.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:

Chris Stephany

Marketing & Air Service Development Administrator

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport

cstephany@tompkins-co.org

607-257-0456

About Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (ITH):

Ithaca Tompkins International Airport is a vital transportation hub located in Ithaca, New York. Serving Ithaca, Tompkins County, the Finger Lakes Region and beyond, ITH is committed to providing travelers with convenient and accessible air travel options. With a vision to connect communities and enhance accessibility, ITH continually strives to improve air service connectivity for the benefit of the region’s residents and visitors.

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