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October 19, 2007

Airport, broadband network get state funding

Governor announces funds for airport, broadband network

By DAN HEATH

PLATTSBURGH -- Plattsburgh International Airport and the CBN Connect broadband network received $2.25 million in state funding Thursday.

In a visit to Plattsburgh, New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer announced $2 million in funding for renovation of another nose-dock hangar at the airport and $250,000 for design of the broadband network.

FILLING OUT THE SHELL

The funding announcements are part of the governor's City-by-City plan, which identify priorities in upstate communities and focus on maximum utilization of each city's unique assets.

In Plattsburgh, that is the availability of development space at the new airport. The airport has about 1.5 million square feet of industrial space available for aviation or aerospace development and 108 acres of developable land nearby.

The $2 million will be used to renovate and refurbish the fourth of eight hangars to make it more attractive to prospective tenants.

"One obstacle to development is that these hangars are only shells," Spitzer said.

Two hangars have already been renovated, including one used by the Department of Homeland Security, and work on a third is under way.

"That will allow us to continue to build momentum right here at the airport," Spitzer said.

LOCAL ASSETS

The City by City plans are one part of the governor's upstate agenda, which also includes reducing the cost of doing business, working toward an innovation economy and strengthening infrastructure.

Spitzer said that when the Air Force decided to close Plattsburgh Air Force Base in 1995, one report indicated it would take 40 years to recover.

"Plattsburgh did not lie down and die," he said. "You have staged a remarkable comeback."

Plattsburgh is poised to be part of the innovation economy because of its proximity to the border and Montreal, as well as its location on the Quebec-New York Corridor, he said.

"They offer tremendous opportunities to capitalize on international trade and commerce."

BROADBAND EFFORT

The funding for the CBN Connect broadband network addresses one of the largest disadvantages the tri-county region faces, Spitzer said.

"The lack of broadband access holds this region back in countless ways."

The lack of affordable, high-speed broadband access hurts small businesses, research institutes, first responders and health-care facilities, among others.

The state grant matches an already secured federal grant. The design phase of the broadband network is expected to take about one year, followed by three to five years for construction.

CBN Connect Advisory Board Chairman Andrew Abdallah said Spitzer spoke eloquently about the need for affordable, high-speed broadband access. He said it was a credit to the work that has been put in by the Technical Assistance Center at Plattsburgh State and its consulting partners.

"I'm really excited to hear the governor's commitment to this program. I believe this is the single most important economic development project for this area."

The Development Corporation President Adoré Flynn Kurtz said an important aspect of Spitzer's announcements shows that the governor and his team understand what the North Country needs.

"They have been so careful to target the things we need," she said.

Broadband is enormously critical, Kurtz said, and the way to make the airport self-sustaining is to locate successful industries, especially aviation and aerospace industries, around it.

LISTENING

Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said he's incredibly satisfied with the Spitzer administration when it comes to economic development.

"They have been listening. We have consistently said the airport and broadband are our top priorities. He hit on them today."

A third priority is to expand on the Quebec-New York Corridor, and the governor has committed to be part of the fourth Quebec-New York Summit next year.

"He has addressed our top three priorities. You can't ask for more than that," Douglas said.

State Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru) said she was delighted to see the governor in Plattsburgh.

A small-business seminar last week in Saranac Lake identified broadband as crucial for doing business in the North Country, she said.

"We welcome his support. This is only a first step," she said. "It's good to see he sees the need for everyone to work together to develop the economy."

State Assemblywoman Teresa Sayward (R-Willsboro) said it's always good to see money come into an area where people have invested so much effort.

"We often see huge money go to a place that has not done a lot to build itself up. "It's good to see the governor address a place that's so close to success."

Clinton County Administrator Michael Zurlo said he was pleased with the announcement.

"It is an indication of this administration's and the state of New York's commitment to our vision here at Plattsburgh International Airport."

WORKING TOGETHER

Plattsburgh Town Supervisor Bernie Bassett said he was happy to get the chance to sit with the governor and Mayor Donald Kasprzak earlier in the morning.

"One of the messages we're trying to send is the focus of this administration toward cooperation and collaboration has a model in this community," Bassett said. "I'm looking forward to making things happen between Plattsburgh and Albany."

Kasprzak said the announcements were very positive for the area.

"I am personally pleased he visited the region and has a grasp of the issues we are facing. I look forward to working with him and his administration for the next three years. Hopefully, we'll receive more announcements in the future."

dheath@pressrepublican.com

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