While more local agencies are going on record expressing support for commercial air service in Jamestown, Chautauqua County has started talking to airlines about using the south county airport.

During the county Industrial Development Agency meeting, board members unanimously approved a resolution expressing their support to bring commercial air service to the Jamestown airport.

The Chautauqua County Legislature made a similar resolution last week.

Before the IDA’s vote, County Executive PJ Wendel gave an update on commercial air service.

“Things are moving forward,” he said.

Wendel noted how the county is lobbying federal officials to get Essential Air Service restored, which many see as a key point to have commercial air service returned.

Essential air service funding ended in 2018 apparently after not meeting the minimum number of travelers. Wendel called that decision “political,” since Chautauqua County was the only airport in the country that lost the Essential Air Service designation that year. There had been 20 airports on the chopping block.

Wendel noted while they are lobbying federal officials for Essential Air Service funding, that they are working simultaneously by talking to airports about flying out of Jamestown.

“We do have one airline discussing and another one coming in to talk to us shortly, so I’m excited,” he said.

Wendel would like to see a decision made by the end of the year.

County IDA Director and Chief Executive Officer Mark Geise said the Jamestown airport is crucial for local businesses.

“When you think of Cummins Engine, SKF, Wells, the National Comedy Center, Chautauqua Institution, the list goes on and on and on … from our perspective this is in the best interest of the business community to have commercial air service at the airport,” he said.

It was also announced at the IDA meeting that the Chautauqua County Visitors Bureau has also passed a resolution supporting restoring commercial air service in Jamestown.