Congressman Mike Michaud and Republican
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska have urged the leaders of the House
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Commerce
Committee to preserve the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in the
final Conference Report on the FAA Reauthorization.
"Businesses need access to convenient and dependable air service. A
company getting ready to expand its operations will not consider an
inaccessible community. A business in rural America cannot compete
effectively if a lack of air service prevents access to the rest of the
country," wrote Michaud and Smith.
Earlier this year, Michaud voted against a House-passed FAA authorization
that eliminated EAS program support for airports across the country,
including ones in Presque Isle, Bar Harbor, Rockland, and Augusta.
Currently, House and Senate leadership are in negotiations on a final
FAA authorization, though a compromise is expected soon. The fate of the
EAS program is one of the items conferees still need to iron out.
The full text of the letter.
January 27, 2012
Dear Chairman Mica, Ranking Member Rahall, Chairman Rockefeller, and Ranking Member Hutchinson:
As you work to finalize the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), we write to reiterate our strong support for
maintaining the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.
We cannot afford to eliminate a tool the economies of rural
communities depend on, particularly when these communities are still
feeling the effects of the recession. Businesses need access to
convenient and dependable air service. A company getting ready to expand
its operations will not consider an inaccessible community. A business
in rural America cannot compete effectively if a lack of air service
prevents access to the rest of the country.
We do not oppose reforming the EAS program. As with any program,
Congress should constantly work to ensure it is spending taxpayer
dollars as effectively as possible. However, simply sun-setting the
existing program instead of pursuing meaningful reforms would do
considerable damage to communities throughout the country. We urge you
to preserve the EAS program in the final Conference Report on the FAA
Reauthorization.
We are confident you will work in a bipartisan manner to ensure
businesses in small, rural communities can continue to rely on air
service supported by the EAS program. Thank you for your consideration
of this request.
Sincerely,
MICHAEL H. MICHAUD
Member of Congress
ADRIAN SMITH
Member of Congress
