A group of U.S. senators recently sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, asking the Trump Administration to reconsider eliminating the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
Only mandatory funding from overflight fees would remain under the White House’s proposal. Cutting funding would save $175 million in federal subsidies, the Administration said.
The cuts would “significantly reduce support for rural communities in our states,” the letter said. “A reduction in support could lead to a reduction in services and ultimately in jobs for rural America. As we move forward with the budget and FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) Reauthorization, we ask that you work with us on issues and challenges pertinent to rural aviation, and keep us informed relative to any changes regarding the EAS program.”
Congress will debate FAA Reauthorization in September.
Created in 1978, EAS serves 175 rural airports. Many people living in these communities can use major airports and the rest can use other modes of transportation, the Administration said.
Communities and lawmakers have been lobbying against elimination since the budget proposal was announced earlier this year.
The letter was signed by Deb Fischer (R-NE), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Shelley Capito (R-WV), Maggie Hassan (D-NH), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Tom Udall (D-NM), and Roger Wicker (R-MS).