Stone Ridge -- Despite the fact that the Port Authority of New York/ New Jersey runs the Big Three New York metropolitan airports, its executive director told a Hudson Valley economic summit Tuesday that he will try his best to integrate the local businesses and communities into its plans for Stewart Airport.

The Port expects to buy the remaining 93 years of the lease for the airport from present owner National Express Group this fall.

Shorris: "think local first"

Port Authority Executive Director Anthony Shorris told a crowded Ulster County Community College theatre filled with local businessmen and women and concerned residents that they will make sure that local businesses are utilized and incorporated into future Stewart Airport plans once the takeover of the airport is complete.

Shorris said he realizes the importance of the “think local first” mentality of business and public leaders in the Hudson Valley, and won’t forget that come takeover time.

“Eleven million of our 140 million Port Authority passengers live in the Hudson Valley.  For many of these people urban airports will be more important, and we recognize that, but I wouldn’t argue that it would be better for at least some of the folks in our community here to be able to catch a plane a little closer to home.”

According to Shorris, the Port Authority will also play a vital part in keeping jobs at the airport local, too.

He noted how the Port Authority’s Teterboro Airport in New Jersey employs 98 percent of their workforce currently from surrounding areas; Shorris said he would like to see the same for Stewart Airport and the Hudson Valley.

Shorris made another commitment about the future of Stewart. “In no way shape or form are we considering to change the name of the airport.”