Watertown - Today, Assemblymember Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, joined Assembly Majority Leader Joseph D. Morelle, D-Irondequoit, and 17 Upstate Assembly Majority colleagues in sending a letter calling for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to not move forward with the lifting of LaGuardia International Airport’s 1,500 mile perimeter rule.
Currently, the Port Authority is studying the perimeter rule, which limits the distance traveled by flights out of LaGuardia to no more than 1,500 miles, to determine if it remains in the best interest of the state’s air travelers. At present, the perimeter rule assures the safe operation of airline services in the congested airspace in the New York/New Jersey region, while providing a critical mechanism for serving regional markets in the Northeast, including Upstate New York.
Should the perimeter rule be lifted, there is the strong likelihood that airlines will transition their limited slots at LaGuardia away from Upstate cities towards more lucrative long haul flights originating on the West Coast or abroad. This action would result in Upstate airports experiencing a reduction in flights and increased fares as a result of airlines abandoning regional airports for more profitable destinations. Further, the number of flights permitted to land and takeoff from LaGuardia Airport is regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration. In the congested New York air space it is highly unlikely that permission will be granted for additional flights at LaGuardia.
“The North Country’s airports have been growing for the last several years, working to expand their services. One of the major destinations is New York City; the proposed policy change would hinder that growth. It is important for continued economic growth and sustainability to be able to access the New York City market for business travel and tourism,” Russell said. “I am standing with my colleagues in the Assembly to urge the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners to support the Upstate economy and oppose lifting the perimeter rule.”
In the 21st century economy, Upstate New York depends on the ability to move goods and employees in a reliable and affordable way. According to a New York State Department of Transportation study, Upstate airports directly and indirectly account for 48,000 jobs, over $4 billion in annual economic activity and pay over $2.5 billion in state and local taxes. A reduction of flights across Upstate New York will dramatically impair our ability to compete for jobs in an increasingly global economy.
“More than ever, access to reliable and affordable air service is an essential component to the continued growth of Upstate New York’s economy,” said Morelle. “However, lifting the perimeter rule is a step in the wrong direction that would come as a major setback to regions across Upstate as travelers will be forced to contend with fewer available flight options at a significantly higher cost. I call on the Port Authority’s Board of Commissioners to act in the best interests of all who call New York home and oppose the lifting of the perimeter rule.”