The Department of Transportation (DOT) has earmarked $12.2 million from the Small Community Air Service Development Program to help communities in 18 states craft local air service needs solutions.
“This federal support to airports across the country will help to keep our nation’s airports in good shape and make air travel a better experience for passengers,” said Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao said.
The DOT received 57 applications from 30 states, officials said, on the heels of an announcement noting $520.5 million in airport infrastructure grants to 287 airports in 41 states.
More than 400 Small Community Air Service Development Program grants have been awarded since the program began, aiding communities in developing air service projects explicitly tailored to their needs.
The grants are used to provide financial incentives to carriers, conduct studies on the possibilities of expanded service, execute marketing programs to promote existing local service, and address other challenges small communities and their airports may experience.
The DOT indicated that nearly all of the communities awarded funding have established public-private partnerships to enhance community participation and facilitate access to air services while providing a specific plan and timetable for using the grants promptly.