“The Blair Airport is an important economic engine, and this announcement is incredible news because it will provide a boost to passenger numbers at a time when the airport needs a jumpstart to maintain funding for essential improvements,” said Shuster.  “We were fortunate to secure the one-year extension in October, but we still need to focus on passenger numbers.  It is critical that we use the airport and the Pittsburgh flight is a valuable, practical and convenient option for the traveling public.”

The flights to and from Pittsburgh will begin on April, 2^nd with ticket sales beginning tomorrow.  Colgan Air will provide service once a day to and from Pittsburgh and Blair County, which is not only great for travelers but will play a critical role in getting the airport’s passenger numbers above the 10,000 threshold.  Crossing the 10,000 benchmark is necessary to receive $1 million under the Airport Improvement Program.  If that number is not met the Blair Airport will receive $150,000, but restarting the Pittsburgh flight makes it much more viable.

“As a community we need to make use of this tremendous asset and restarting the Pittsburgh flight makes it that much more convenient for passengers,” said Shuster, chairman of the Economic Development Subcommittee in Congress.

In October 2005 Congressman Shuster and Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum successfully fought to add language to an appropriations bill extending Blair Airport funding for one additional year.  This is a temporary extension, but resuming the Pittsburgh flight provides a convenient option to travelers, especially as a business link to and from the area.  This puts the solution in the hands of residents and it can be solved simply by using the airport.