NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (VINnews) — State Sen. James Skoufis and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey are working on a new financing program they hope will persuade airlines to add routes at New York Stewart International Airport.

The proposed minimum revenue guarantee program would help protect airlines from losses when launching new service at the Hudson Valley airport, which has struggled to attract and maintain commercial routes.

Skoufis, D-Orange County, said he has been working with the Port Authority and Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. since late last year on the proposal.

“I’m as frustrated as the next Hudson Valley resident regarding the lack of flights out of Stewart Airport,” Skoufis said. “That said, there is a major reason to be hopeful this is about to change.”

Under the plan, a fund would cover some of an airline’s revenue shortfall if a new route fails to meet an agreed-upon target. Skoufis said he plans to make a “meaningful commitment” to the fund but has not disclosed how much.

The program is intended to make Stewart more attractive to airlines that might otherwise consider service from larger airports, including Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark.

Skoufis said talks have already begun with a major airline about a possible route connecting Stewart with a major U.S. hub. He did not identify the airline or destination.

The strategy would focus on hub connections, giving Hudson Valley travelers access to destinations around the country without having to drive to New York City’s larger airports.

The Hudson Valley Economic Development Corp. is expected to administer the fund, while the Port Authority would help coordinate the effort. Skoufis said federal law prevents the Port Authority from administering the program itself.