| Proposed FAA Changes Concern ITH Airport Mgr. (VIDEO) |
| Ted Fioraliso | |
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August 25, 2009
ITHACA -- One local airport manager is trying to get language removed from the FAA Reauthorization Bill he says could “cripple” smaller airports.
Ithaca-Tompkins Regional Airport manager Bob Nicholas says the House version of the bill would require the airport to increase its firefighting staff from nine to 27 people.
While safety is important to everyone, Nicholas says extra firefighters would add more than $1 million to the airport's annual budget.
The money would have to come from the taxpayers, or airlines would be forced to increase their rates.
“Airlines these days are struggling to survive,” said Nicholas. “And if you double rates and charges, guess what happens? They'll say, 'Is it worth it to fly into Ithaca anymore?'"
Nicholas says the Senate version of the bill would not require the increase in firefighters.
More people flew in and out of Ithaca in July than ever before. And the airport will begin service to Reagan National Airport in Washington later this year or early next year.
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