WHITE LAKE –– If a new project comes to fruition at the Sullivan County International Airport in White Lake, it would generate big earnings for the county.

County legislators passed a resolution at last Thursday’s full board meeting authorizing County Manager Josh Potosek to enter into a Letter of Intent Agreement with Number 18 Corporation, “for exploration of development of a portion of the airport currently deemed unbuildable.”

The Letter of Intent between the county and the potential developer (who lives in Quebec) will provide for payment of $5,000 per year for a period of three years. During this time, Number 18 Corporation will have the exclusive rights to investigate the feasibility for developing that portion of the airport.

Furthermore, in the event that the proposed project is deemed feasible, the county will enter into a 60-year lease with Number 18 Corporation. The county would receive $1 million per year with an increase of two percent per year for a total value of the lease of $115 million over the term of 60 years.

The resolution also stated that from the $115 million, Number 18 Corporation will receive a credit of up to $36 million for infrastructure improvements to the airport to include but not be limited to water and sewer connections being made available not only to the proposed development but to the entire airport.
That’d leave the county with roughly $80 million of benefit from the project.

Plus, all jet fuel would have to be purchased from the county at a rate that would be negotiated between them and the developer.

According to County Attorney Michael McGuire, who explained the proposed project prior to the legislators’ vote, the developer will need to get easement approval from the Federal Aviation Administration to build in that area, as well as work with the Town of Liberty on potentially bringing water to the airport, and the Town of Bethel on sewer hookups. McGuire also said the area where the developer is looking to build requires a tremendous amount of excavation.

The developer has hired the engineering firm Passero Associates, which the county has worked with on other projects at the airport.

McGuire noted that [jet] fuel sales are the driving financial force at an airport, and that the developer is looking into running international charters, potentially bringing in Customs, so people can fly directly from Canada to Sullivan County on a corporate jet. Currently, visitors have to stop at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor to clear Customs and then fly to Sullivan County.

Legislator Joe Perrello, who chairs the Public Works Committee, introduced the resolution.

He said the county has been approached by a lot of different people regarding projects at the airport and noted that this developer needs time to do their due diligence.

“He has big plans,” said Perrello. “Anything is possible. I hope he accomplishes what he wants to do. If he does, it’s going to be wonderful.” 

The Democrat will have more about the county airport next week.