Reed: Fight Remains To Re-Establish Air Service Between Jamestown And Pittsburgh

ELLICOTT – Despite a recent setback, officials are still pushing for a US Department of Transportation (DOT) grant to re-establish air service between Jamestown and Pittsburgh. 

The USDOT, earlier this month, rejected the grant. During a teleconference with reporters Friday morning, WNYNewsNow asked Reed for his thoughts on the rejection. Reed said the fight to obtain a grant isn’t over yet, as his office, Chautauqua County Executive George Borrello and Boutique Air continue to discuss feedback obtained from the USDOT.

“Stay tuned as we are not giving up on this battle, and we are now in a position, I think, to submit a stronger application to get a different result the next go-around,” Reed said.

In a previous press release, Reed said, “We are disappointed by this decision, but we would like to thank County Executive George Borrello for all of his hard work to bring commercial air service back to Jamestown. However, the fight is not over, and we will continue to work together as a team to bring commercial air back to Jamestown.”

Borrello previously told WNYNewsNow that the county can re-apply based on the feedback from the DOT. In addition, Borrello thanked Reed in a press release for engaging with the DOT.

“Thanks to Congressman Reed’s direct engagement with DOT, we have received actionable feedback on how we may adjust and improve our application,” said Borrello. “That combined with further advocacy and continued bi-partisan support from our federal representatives, should increase the possibility of approval in the future.”

Shawn Simpson, President and CEO of Boutique Airlines, expressed his commitment to bringing commercial air service back to Jamestown.

“With our recent route expansion into Pittsburgh, PA, Jamestown makes even more sense now for Boutique Airlines,” said Simpson. “Further, our partnerships with United and American Airlines give us an unprecedented level of service and convenience not seen before in Jamestown, or the southern tier of New York.”

WNYNewsNow will continue to follow this story for updates.