"The new carrier selected must meet the needs of the region, and I appreciate the Department of Transportation's commitment to ensuring that it does," said Michaud, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. "Individuals and businesses throughout northern Maine depend on the service provided by the Northern Maine Regional Airport. As the economy continues to recover, they cannot afford to lose access to the rest of the country."

The EAS program provides subsidies to air carriers for providing service between selected small communities and hub airports. The program was originally established in 1978 as part of airline deregulation to ensure a minimum level of air service to smaller communities that might otherwise lose service because of economic factors. Michaud has been leading the fight in the House of Representatives to preserve the EAS program.

On September 9, 2011, Colgan Air filed notice of its intent to terminate EAS service at Presque Isle, which would leave the area with no scheduled air service. As such, the U.S. Department of Transportation prohibited Colgan from terminating service for 30 days beyond the end of their 90-day notice period, through January 7, 2012, and will require them to maintain the current level of service for successive 30-day periods until they have completed processing the carrier-replacement.

Today, Michaud sent a follow up letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood reiterating the need to ensure that the new carrier selected to serve Presque Isle meets its needs. The full text of Michaud's letter can be found below.

December 1, 2011

The Honorable Ray LaHood
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I wanted to thank you for your agency's commitment to ensuring that the carrier that it selects to provide replacement essential air service in Presque Isle is able to meet the needs of the community.

As you know, there are concerns that relying on smaller planes to provide service to Presque Isle could have a devastating effect on the airport and the region. Smaller aircraft would have to stop between Presque Isle and their final destination, increasing travel times and opportunities for delays. Additionally, there are concerns that these smaller planes might not be appropriate for severe winter weather conditions in the region.

Individuals and businesses throughout northern Maine depend on the service provided by the Northern Maine Regional Airport. As the economy continues to recover, they cannot afford to lose access to the rest of the country. It is essential that any carrier providing essential air service to Presque Isle do so safely and efficiently while meeting the needs of the region.

I appreciate your time and your continued support of air service in rural areas. I am confident that we can ensure that Presque Isle continues to receive the level of service necessary to meet its needs.

Sincerely,

MIKE MICHAUD
Member of Congress