Massena and Ogdensburg airports will retain funding through the Essential Air Service program, which senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand say will be funded through an omnibus appropriations bill.

The package will include $155 million for EAS around the country, which is a $5 million increase over the previous fiscal year, according to a joint news reelase from the senators. The EAS program supports commercial air service at small airports by ensuring they have regularly scheduled commercial flights to large or medium-hub airports, linking passengers to the National Air Transportation System, the senators said.

In Massena, the program subsidizes Boutique Air flights to Albany and Baltimore. They are trying to scrap those routes in exchange for a Boston destination.

It subsidizes Cape Air flights from Ogdensburg to Albany.

“Investing in our airports enables safer, more efficient service for the businesses and travelers who utilize it every day,” Gillibrand said in a prepared statement. “These funds ensure that these communities will continue to have a link to the national aviation system, which is critical for economic development and quality of life across the North Country. I am proud to have fought for this funding to be included in the Omnibus legislation and will continue to push for resources that enhance service to airports across New York.”

“Making sure the airports that serve small communities throughout Upstate New York have the resources they need to succeed has always been a top priority of mine, which is why I fought hard to preserve the Essential Air Service program as proposals were floated to eliminate it. This vital federal funding will allow for passengers across the North Country to continue their access to major cities and transit hubs throughout the country and internationally,” Schumer said in a prepared statement. “After all, there is no question about it - access to air travel is good for businesses, good for jobs, and good for the financial health of a community and this new multimillion-dollar investment will enrich communities across New York State.”

In 1978, Congress passed the Airline Deregulation Act (ADA) despite concerns raised at that time regarding the effect it would have on air service to small communities. The EAS program was established to guarantee that communities served by air carriers prior to deregulation would continue to have commercial air service, preventing the loss of a vital mode of transportation that would result in economic harm to rural communities. Access to adequate air service has become imperative to the success of our local economies. However, rural communities have struggled to retain or attract commercial airline service, according to the senators.