Feds To Expedite EAS Airline Transition, Jmst., D.L.

 BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) – U.S. Sens. John Hoeven and Heidi Heitkamp say federal Transportation Department officials have agreed to announce Essential Air Service contracts for North Dakota communities this week.
 
     Great Lakes Airlines is pulling out of Jamestown and Devils Lake at the end of the week. Officials in both cities earlier endorsed a switch from Great Lakes to SkyWest Airlines to provide service under the federal Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes service to smaller cities.
 
     Heitkamp and Hoeven say federal officials have committed to expediting the transition to SkyWest if the cities’ requests are approved. Great Lakes Airlines’ contract to provide service doesn’t expire until the end of March.
 
     Great Lakes provides service on turboprop planes, while SkyWest flies jets.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (CSi) – U.S. Senators Heidi Heitkamp and John Hoeven today met with senior U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) officials to stress the need for regular and dependable air service to Devils Lake and Jamestown Regional Airports.

The DOT officials committed to Heitkamp and Hoeven that they would announce Essential Air Service (EAS) contracts for North Dakota communities this week. If a new airline is selected in the EAS process, Heitkamp, Hoeven and the DOT also committed to pressing for an expedited transition to new service after the new bids are announced. Expedited transition for Devils Lake and Jamestown is necessary because the current provider – Great Lakes Airlines – recently announced its intention to discontinue service on February 1, 2014.                                                                                                                                                       

The delegation addressed potential concerns that have been raised regarding the approval of EAS contracts, which provide reliable service for Jamestown and Devils Lake. EAS often supports economic development and job creation by enabling businesses to more easily access rural communities.

Also attending the meeting was a representative from Congressman Kevin Cramer’s office, Devils Lake Mayor Richard Johnson, Jamestown Mayor Katie Anderson, along with the communities’ airport authority leadership.

“We are working in lockstep with Devils Lake and Jamestown to make sure the Department of Transportation understands how important reliable air service is to both of these communities,” the Delegation said. “Over the years, we have seen firsthand the economic impact that EAS has had on Devils Lake and Jamestown – enabling businesses to expand and helping our rural communities grow. We will continue to work to put in place a long-term plan that will give local leaders and residents the assurance they deserve that there will be high-quality air service.”  

Last week, the Delegation highlighted its support for Essential Air Service in North Dakota to DOT Secretary Anthony Foxx.