greatlakesbeechJamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — Officials will be receiving requests for proposals for an essential air service carrier for Jamestown later this year.

On Thursday’s (Sept. 12, 2013) Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Jamestown Regional Airport Manager, Matt Leitner said, the RFP’s will to out in November this year, with the carrier selected to begin the new contract on March 31, 2014.

He added that the process includes public input, and other mandates in the selection process.

Jamestown has been under the Essential Air Service program since the late 1970’s as a federal subsidy is given to the airline, to enable the service to Jamestown to be profitable.

Leitner said the August 2013 boardings at Jamestown were 267, compared to 263 in August of 2012. He pointed out that August had the highest number of boardings so far this year, and the 5th consecutive month of growth in Jamestown boardings.

He noted that Great Lake Airlines is sponsoring the 5th Annual, Flying 4 Food program. Those bringing non-parishable food items to Jamestown Regional Airport, during the airport’s hours of operation, will be eligible for a drawing, with the winner receiving a round trip ticket for two to Minneapolis.

Food items will be distributed to the Progress Community Center, in Jamestown.

In other airport news, Leitner says the new rotating beacon will be soon installed at the airport, with the current beacon, over 70 years old, to be donated to a museum. The new beacon will be easier to maintain, while shining at about the same luminescence as the present beacon.