Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Small Community Air Service Development Program has earmarked $16.9 million to aid 25 communities in developing local air service needs solutions.
“In so many of our nation’s smaller communities, local air service is crucial to residents’ lives and livelihoods,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said. “We’re proud to award these grants to help strengthen local air service in 25 smaller communities and help Americans across the country get to where they need to go more efficiently and affordably.”
Authorities indicated 20 states will receive project grant funding allotments that will be used to provide carrier financial incentives; conduct studies on the possibilities of expanded service; and execute marketing programs promoting existing local service.
The DOT noted that almost all of the communities have established public-private partnerships as a means of enhancing community participation and facilitating air services access, providing a specific plan and timetable for using the grant funds in a timely manner.
The grants are slated to be used to help communities establish first air services, officials noted, as well as aiding restoration of lost service, supporting new routes improving connectivity, in addition to enabling community members to fly with greater ease and more affordably.
Community proposals and the DOT’s final order are available via www.regulations.gov, docket DOT-OST-2022-0003.