Updated 11:25 a.m. to correct number of passengers.

By ANDY GARDNER

President Donald Trump’s proposed deep cuts to the Essential Air Service program, if passed as he is suggesting, could eliminate Massena’s airport from competing with Ogdensburg’s, while also eliminating an air carrier at that airport.

Two airlines run from the Ogdensburg International Airport, the EAS-subsidized Cape Air and unsubsidized Allegiant Air. Massena International Airport next month will switch from Cape Air to Boutique Air, both of which are EAS-subsidized.

EAS grants pay for air service on a per-passenger basis to and from small airports throughout the United States. They create travel options for residents and businesses in rural areas by funding airlines and airports to keep flights running. By the end of 2016, Massena served between 7,000 and 8,000 passengers and Ogdensburg served a little more than 10,000.

Trump’s proposed budget would cut EAS funding by $175 million next year.

Despite Threat, Not Panicking in Massena

Massena Town Supervisor Joseph Gray said although deep EAS cuts could compromise Boutique Air’s future in Massena, he isn’t panicking yet.

“We wouldn’t have service. I don’t think you’ll find an airline that would commit to fly out of here without the subsidy. Nor would the ticket be affordable for some people to fly,” Gray said. “There’s been previous attempts to cut EAS. There may be some changes to … I really don’t think it’s going to be eliminated. Members of Congress use the service to get to and from Washington. I fully expect EAS will survive in some way, shape or form.”

However, he said if the cuts pass as proposed, there would be no more air provider flying out of Massena.

“We wouldn’t have service. I don’t think you’ll find an airline that would commit to fly out of here without the subsidy. Nor would the ticket be affordable for some people to fly,” Gray said.

He said he thinks the airport equipment makes them the strongest local candidate to keep their EAS dollars.

“I think Massena has the strongest case in the North Country for Essential Air Service. We have better instrumentation than other airports … you can’t land at other airports like Ogdensburg if you can’t see the runway. We have instrumentation landing equipment,” Gray said.

He says even though he isn’t anxious, the town will do what they can to push for the EAS program.

“It’s too early to freak out about it. We’re certainly not going to sit back and let things take its course,” Gray said.

OBPA: Fewer Options Not Good

The EAS program being cut puts subsidized Cape Air flights at risk, but Allegiant Air would remain as an unsubsidized airline.

The executive director of the Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority said if Massena’s air service were to disappear, it would not be a good thing for Ogdensburg or the area.

“A loss to the region is loss to the region … when you lose a transportation option, it’s not a good thing,” Davis said. “It would not be good for the entire region, Ogdensburg included.

“You reduce options, and that’s not a good thing. It’s reduced options to the air travel network.”

He says he does not see Allegiant as a competitor to Boutique or Cape Air.

“Allegiant Air does not compete with Boutique or Cape Air … apples don’t compete with oranges,” he said. “As an air system, we thrive on the variety of all its parts, both subsidized and unsubsidized.

“The EAS program provides North Country residents with a vital link … due to its location, the Ogdensburg airport is well positioned for EAS growth … it all boils down to meeting the needs of the traveler and … the recently completed expansion project ensures a viable future for the NC air traveler and the airport.”

Schumer, Stefanik Oppose EAS Cuts

Both Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat, and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a Republican, are against the president’s plan to cut EAS.

"Congresswoman Stefanik opposes these proposed cuts to the Essential Air Service. While Congresswoman Stefanik believes there are savings to be found in every federal agency, she does not support the President's initial budget proposal, especially the proposed cuts to the State Department, the Department of Education, and the EPA. Furthermore, the President's budget would cut many important individual programs to our district that Congresswoman Stefanik supports," Stefanik's spokesman Tom Flanagin said via email.

"Congresswoman Stefanik believes modernization and reform of our federal agencies is needed, therefore she supports eliminating duplicative government programs, fraud and abuse. The President's budget proposal is the first step in the process, but ultimately Congress controls the power of the purse and will write the final federal spending plan. During the budgeting process, Congresswoman Stefanik will work hard to ensure the needs and priorities of our district are met."

“This cut is reckless and counterproductive and would virtually eliminate the vital EAS Program and would jeopardize air service for rural communities across the country, especially in Upstate New York. There is no question about it - access to air travel is good for businesses, good for jobs, good for the middle class and good for financial health of the community," Schumer said in a prepared statement.

“Small local airports like Jamestown, Massena, Ogdensburg, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake and Watertown are vital to the communities they serve. Rather than cutting this critical funding the administration should be making sure that small airports can continue to support local residents and regional development. Let me be clear, I will do all in my power to make sure these harmful cuts to Upstate airports will never fly. I will fight tooth and nail to protect this critical federal investment until these cuts are grounded permanently.”