NORTH NORWICH – Chenango County lawmakers lowered the price of jet fuel pumped at the Lt. Warren E. Eaton Airport this week in order to be more competitive.

The old price would have earned the county a buck per gallon, but was 20 cents higher than an average $5.80 charged at northeastern airports. Also, the county’s $6 per gallon pricetag meant it was charging more than 24 airports in New York.

Airport Steering Committee member Mathew Giltner, himself a pilot, said he has been fueling up his plane in Sidney. He recommended lowering the price to $5.25.

“Norwich is in a geographically attractive place for pilots to land and move on. We should sell at cost to get people used to flying in here and build a reputation as offering the best service and the best price. We should at least be in the top 10 for the state,” he said.

Chenango County Airport Administrator Donald MacIntosh said other airports may not have filled their tanks with more expensive fuel yet, and would no doubt be charging higher prices soon. The county’s Planning and Economic Development Committee sets the price, and could change it, he added.