Plattsburgh, NY – Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) hosted a transportation roundtable in Plattsburgh at the North Country Chamber of Commerce with many area leaders. Congresswoman Stefanik discussed her work to pass the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act and issues important to the region.
“I was proud to help pass this important, bipartisan legislation,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “Our economy needs predictability and certainty, and this highway bill would allow us to stop passing short term, stop-gap measures so that businesses can plan and grow. This legislation also reauthorized important highway safety programs to help keep North Country families safe. I know the importance of transportation and infrastructure to our North Country economy, and I will continue to work in Congress on these important issues.”
"Where things move is where prosperity occurs. That's the core of our strategic approach to economic development," states Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. "That's why transportation matters are always a top priority for our efforts in Washington, including the December passage of a long needed five year federal transportation bill, and why we are pleased to be able to host this dialogue with Congresswoman Stefanik. We have continuing needs from roads and bridges to our airports, our border crossings and our transportation equipment companies."
Congresswoman Stefanik understands the transportation needs of our region and how critical infrastructure is to our North Country economy. This is why she helped pass the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act -- the first long-term transportation package to pass in a decade, allowing us to stop passing short term, stop-gap measures so that businesses like Bombardier and NovaBus can plan and grow.
In our region, where the transportation equipment business is growing - with 33 companies now employing more than 8,100 people – its passage and enactment was vital.
Additionally, Congresswoman Stefanik and her office have strongly advocated to increase transportation and commerce to our region. With Congresswoman Stefanik’s support, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved over $10 million in federal funding for the runway extension at Ogdensburg International Airport (OGS). “The runway extension plan at Ogdensburg International Airport will help facilitate low fare airline service to the region, expanding commerce, tourism and our local economy. Furthermore, this important infrastructure project will help facilitate greater commerce with our Canadian neighbors as well,” said Congresswoman Stefanik.
Congresswoman Stefanik has established a strong working relationship with the FAA on matters in the Plattsburgh area. She has worked to assist Clinton County with the deed of release to sell former Clinton County Airport property and has worked to support the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
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