Governor Spitzer lobbies for Stewart Airport expansion

Governor Elliot Spitzer (D-NY) announced big plans for Stewart Airport in his State of the State address.The governor says he wants to make the airport serve as an economic engine for the Hudson Valley, and promised to make it the fourth-largest hub in the downstate region. Air travelers at Stewart Airport are up, but the number of baggage screeners is down from 46 in 2002 to 24 today.With travelers using the airport expected to triple by the end of February thanks to the addition of two new airlines, Senator Chuck Schumer (D-NY) says fewer screeners for more passengers is an unacceptable combination. He says he?s hoping the Transportation Security Administration will recognize Stewart Airport?s recent growth and beef up staff.