OGDENSBURG -- U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer is pushing the Federal Aviation Administration to give Ogdensburg International Airport $14.25 million to buy a runway extension necessary for Allegiant Air to offer flights.

He said the expansion is necessary in order for Allegiant Air, which decided in 2014 to offer flights from Ogdensburg, to land its planes. Allegiant flies much larger planes than the ones that currently take off and land at Ogdensburg Airport, requiring a larger runway. The project would provide low-fare options for North Country residents, in addition to numerous other economic development benefits for the region, according to Schumer.

“This runway expansion will … provide a major economic boost to the entire area – which would result in the creation of good-paying construction jobs, more tourist dollars, increased travel options for residents and an improved climate for business,” Schumer said.

“The Ogdensburg International Airport expansion will undoubtedly result in job creation, increased tourism and an overall promotion of regional transportation capabilities. FAA funding is the next step in ensuring these benefits come to fruition,” said OBPA Executive Director Wade Davis.

In November, the FAA approved Ogdensburg’s request to extend the runway by 1,200 feet, which would make both the runway extension possible and allow the airport to begin airline service with Allegiant Air. In order for Ogdensburg to extend their runway, the airport had to justify the need to the FAA.

In 2014, the OBPA reached an agreement with Allegiant Air to provide low-cost carrier services at the airport beginning in November 2016, contingent upon the airport expansion. This includes a 1,200-foot extension of runway 27, taxiway widening and extension, runway approach lighting improvements, relocation of a section of state Route 68 to accommodate the runway extension, and obstruction removal. The airport also plans to expand the terminal and add a 478-space parking area, which will be funded through non-FAA sources, Schumer said.

Schumer said, after the expansion, the airport will support 125 to 135 jobs, compared to 53 in 2010. In addition, the total amount of direct and indirect economic activity the airport would produce could nearly double, from $7.4 million in 2010 to $13.4 to 13.8 million in 2017. The runway extension could also bring 38,000 new Canadian tourists and their resources into the region, Schumer said.