For More Information:

William R. Steinhaus
Dutchess County Executive
(845) 486-2000 countyexec@co.dutchess.ny.us

For Immediate Release

December 20, 2002

County Executive Gives Early Holiday Presents to Local Pilots

County Executive William R. Steinhaus, today, announced that local pilots who have signed up to lease forty new T-Hangars under construction at the Dutchess County Airport will be able to get their planes in from the winter weather before the upcoming holidays.  “With today’s completion of forty new T-Hangars, the opportunity arose to allow the pilots leasing these facilities to move in before Christmas,” stated County Executive Steinhaus. 

“We will still have a ribbon-cutting ceremony for all our new aircraft storage facilities in mid-January, when the remaining ten new ranch hangars are completed.  However, with the weather the way it’s been lately, we were sure the local pilots would like to take occupancy of the units that are available.  Those pilots who have already committed to leasing a new “T-Hangar” have been invited to come to the Airport Office beginning Monday, December 23, 2002, sign their lease, pick-up their keys and move their aircraft inside. 

County Executive Steinhaus said, “The Dutchess County Airport is an important community asset and plays a vital role in our local economy.  That is why this project represents the first expansion of hangar space at the airport since 1982 and is such good news for local businesses.  According to a study done by the Hudson Valley Regional Council in 1998, the airport already contributes over $50 million dollars to our economy annually, provides 134 jobs and supports more than 850 jobs in our community.  Furthermore, access to local businesses is facilitated through the airport and is vital to realizing the economic development potential of the county.                                                    

The development of new aircraft storage space at the airport increases the access available to business and provides additional economic spin-offs for the community.”  The County Executive added, “The new hangars will provide rental income to help pay for the capital costs of their construction which totaled $2.5 million.  It will also increase the customer base at the airport for the sale of fuel and other services, improving the airport’s bottom line budget.                                                                                                                       

Dutchess County Legislator Fred Pizzuto said, “This project proves that the process can work.  These hangars stand testament to what can be achieved with the County Executive and Legislature working together.” 

Ron Chugerman, President of the Dutchess County Pilots Association said, “Throughout the nation and the world, aviation has always held a highly integral position as one of the major backbones of economic progress.  I am extremely pleased our County leadership recognizes the significance of this role.  On behalf of the Dutchess County Pilots Association, I wish to thank the County for joining countless other municipal and private entities around New York State in upgrading and modernizing their airport facilities.  Let’s continue the momentum in 2003.” 

The County Executive added, “DPW Commissioner Paul Cassillo and Aviation Director Ed Rose, along with Assistant to the County Executive Earl Bruno, also deserve to be recognized along with our airport specialty consultants, C&S Companies.  Using a team approach, staff from C & S’s Design and Construction Management Divisions worked with Commissioner Cassillo and Mr. Rose to reduce the cost of the project in order to make it a reality. 

County Executive Steinhaus concluded by saying, “This project addresses the current aircraft storage space deficit at the airport.  The new Airport Master Plan we are currently working on will be completed this year and will address future facility demand. The new Airport Master Plan will make projections for both the level of demand for new facilities and the appropriate mix of any additional facilities to be built.  The projections will be based in part on the NYS Aviation Activity and FAA Terminal Area Forecasts for substantial growth in demand for aviation facilities and services in our region.”