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EANNACE ANNOUNCES EXPANDED AIR SERVICE

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace Jr., was joined today with Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D-Rome) and representatives of U.S. Air at a press conference at the Oneida County Airport. U.S. Air announced the addition of three weekday flights in and out of Newark, NJ, a Saturday flight in and out of Newark, NJ and two Sunday flights in and out of Newark, NJ. Eannace said, "We believe that this expansion is a key component for increased business travel to and from the Mohawk Valley". Eannace further stated, "The Oneida County airport is an economic engine. Increasing the number of flights and the number of destinations helps to stimulate our local economy, and that of the airport."

Louis J. Raya, a consultant with Strategies For Airports, Inc. said, "The U.S. Air expansion will address the needs of the local business community. It shows that this facility is the transportation HUB for the Mohawk Valley, not Syracuse."

"Transportation services are a vital part of any effort to attract new businesses, or retain existing businesses here in the Mohawk Valley, " 116^th District Assemblywoman RoAnn M. Destito (D-Rome) said. "This new flight schedule significantly boosts the choices for business or vacation travelers from the Oneida County Airport, and this is good news for residents of our area."

"I was pleased to support a major tax reduction for airlines that do business here in New York State as part of 1999-2000 State budget, " Destito added. "I am confident that will lead to more announcements of increased air service, like the one we are making today." Destito says the tax reduction for airlines will total $3 million by the year 2001.