By TOM LUCKIE III

OGDENSBURG -- Allegiant Air Flight 644 from Orlando Sanford International Airport officially arrived in Ogdensburg at 11:36 a.m. Wednesday and brought with it plenty of buzz beyond that created by the aircraft's engines.

Aside from the large crowd of dignitaries, citizens and international media assembled at the official grand opening event, many spectators gathered in and around vehicles parked alongside state Highway 812 to view the historic landing of the 177-passenger Airbus A320.

It was the first large-sale passenger jet to land in St. Lawrence County, on Ogdensburg International Airports recently extended runway. The plane arrived 14 minutes ahead of schedule to a water salute from fire hoses showering the plane while it taxied from the runway to the newly constructed terminal and nearby parking lot to mark the occasion of the first Allegiant flight landing in Ogdensburg.

An anxious crowd welcomed the plane, crew and passengers with an enthusiastic ovation.

"Welcome to Ogdensburg International Airport and the start of the significant upper turn of the North Country's economy, starting right here, right now," said Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority Executive Director Wade Davis during his emotionally charged opening remarks. "Even more importantly, it represents connections, a family going on vacation for the first time, a grandmother visiting her grandchild.”

Davis also commended the efforts of the Ogdensburg City School District, City Council, current Mayor Wayne Ashley and his predecessor Bill Nelson, numerous politicians, the Federal Aviation Administration and the New York State Department of Transportation.

OBPA Board of Directors Chairman Sam LaMacchia praised the hope and passion of everyone involved with the project.

"There's something great about North Country people. When we believe in something, we do something about it," said LaMacchia.

LaMacchia also read a statement from Sen. Charles Schumer, who worked with the FAA to approve the airport's runway expansion and helped secure over $18 million in federal funding for the project.

Susan Merrell, North Country Regional Director for Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, read a statement from Gillibrand that noted the importance of celebrating the moment.

North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, spoke on the economic importance of the airport expansion's ability to bring 40,000 annual passengers to the North Country and create local jobs.

"This project has truly been a model for what working together at the state, local and federal level can bring to our region," Stefanik said.

State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, reflected on the scope and magnitude of the project from its infancy, particularly the need to move State Highway 68 to accommodate the expanded runway and the highly ambitious three-year time frame of the project.

Similar projects often take six to 10 years to complete.

"Today is a great day. What a convenience for people who live here and an economic boost to the area," Ritchie said.

Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, called the airport expansion the economic opportunity of the century for this area.

"We're not just talking about us being able to get to Florida quickly and cheaply, this is about getting people to the St. Lawrence Valley quickly and cheaply. It's time for us to make sure the rest of the world gets here to see what a jewel this place is," Russell said.

Ogdensburg Mayor Wayne Ashley deemed the occasion a great success and commended the OBPA and others for countless hours of hard work.

"It almost seems like a dream to me that it's actually accomplished and here," Ashley said. "I'm kind of anxious to take a ride in that plane myself.”