SARANAC LAKE - Town of Harrietstown Supervisor Larry Miller says he's pleased with the service provided by Cape Air and hopes the airline secures a contract to continue operating at the town-run Adirondack Regional Airport in Lake Clear.

Town officials met at the airport Friday with representatives of Massachusetts-based Cape Air, which is seeking renewal of its current $2.8 million federal subsidy to provide commercial passenger service at the Saranac Lake and Plattsburgh airports. The U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting proposals until Oct. 15.

Miller said he was told by Airport Manager Ross DuBarry that two other airlines had expressed an interest but haven't met with town officials or submitted any formal proposals.

Miller noted that Cape Air was the only airline interested in providing service from Lake Clear when the airport's previous carrier, Montana-based Big Sky, pulled out after just two months. Cape Air took over in February 2008 and provides service to Boston using nine-seat Cessna 402 planes.

"We're pretty happy with them," Miller said. "When they came in, we were nothing. They brought us from nothing to 9,100 passengers (a year)."

Cape Air provided town officials with figures showing how they've increased passenger service at the airport. Cape Air is projecting the number of passengers flying to and from Adirondack Regional on its planes to reach 9,194 by the end of the year, a 42 percent increase since 2007 when 6,468 passengers used the airport. Cape Air recorded 8,119 passengers last year.

Miller also said he support's Cape Air because the airline is basing its airplane in Lake Clear and wants its employees to live in the area.

"Being honest and fair, we'll have to look at all the proposals," Miller said. "But personally, I'm leaning toward Cape Air. Cape Air has made a commitment that they're part of the community."

Miller said the airline is seeking a four-year federal subsidy instead of a two-year contract.

"They said it has something to do with leveraging their dollars long term," he said.

The decision on which airline is awarded the federal subsidy will be made by the U.S. DOT. Miller said the agency will solicit comments from the community before awarding the contract.

The funds are provided by the federal Essential Air Service program, which is designed to allow for commercial air service in rural communities that otherwise would not receive any scheduled service.

Cape Air also provides service between Albany and the Watertown, Ogdensburg and Massena airports.

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Contact Chris Knight at 891-2600 ext. 24 or cknight@adirondackdailyenterprise.com.