(Aug. 19, 2011) Assemblyman Sam Roberts (D,WF-Syracuse), a key sponsor of legislation creating the Greater Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (Chapter 463 of 2011), announced its signing into law by the governor. An unpaid eleven-member regional board will oversee the new authority which includes Syracuse Hancock International Airport. Hancock Airport was previously controlled by the Syracuse Mayor and was, up until now, the only major airport in the state not operated by an authority.

“Allowing Syracuse Hancock International Airport to increase its competitive edge will not only help reduce airport operating costs, but also has the potential to boost Central New York’s economy by attracting new services and airlines in the future,” said Roberts.

Out of the eleven regional board members, seven are appointed by the Syracuse Mayor and one appointed by each the Onondaga County executive, the DeWitt Town Board and the East Syracuse-Minoa School District. The North Syracuse Central School District and the town boards of Salina, Cicero and Clay each take turns appointing the last member.

Monroe County Airport Authority, established in 1989, is an example of an airport authority benefiting a community. Since then, it has been able to deliver nationally-recognized affordability by bringing increased competition from low-cost carriers, such as AirTran Airways, to airports like the Greater Rochester International Airport (GRIA). Additionally, the average air fare at the GRIA has dropped more than $100 since 1995, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

“An adjusted focus on our air transportation facilities along with stronger local input from the new regional board will provide a great service for Central New York, yielding better decisions to benefit the entire region rather than a single municipality.” Roberts concluded.