The Port Authority is now in control of Stewart International Airport in Newburgh.Gov. Eliot Spitzer joined local leaders and executives from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey at the airport Thursday to commemorate the agency?s takeover of the facility. Stewart handles about 300,000 passengers a year. However, Spitzer says the airport could potentially accommodate 1.5 million travelers per year. Officials hope Stewart will help alleviate overcrowding and delays at the tri-state?s big three airports ? Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty.

The governor and Port Authority officials say they want Stewart to develop into a regional transportation and economic development hub. Spitzer says he wants to see a rail system explored as an alternative means of getting people to the airport.