Small communities that depend on U.S. federal subsidies to maintain regional air service won a battle in the House of Representatives to restore full funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS). The House voted to approve an amendment to restore $63 million in funding that had been cut from the program (CRAN, July 28, p. 6). The action reverses a procedural move that had eliminated funding for the program in the 2004 Transportation-Treasury Appropriations bill.

The amendment, introduced by Rep. John Peterson (R-Pa.), and supported by a group of rural lawmakers, was approved by unanimous consent shortly before the House approved the Transportation-Treasury Appropriations Act (H.R.2989). The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.

The House amendment brings total EAS funding to $113 million, with $50 million allocated directly by the Federal Aviation Administration.

Established in 1978, the EAS program ensures that communities that had commercial air service before deregulation continue to receive scheduled air service. Without EAS, many rural communities across the nation would be without commercial air service.

Peterson worked with a bipartisan group of rural House members who successfully negotiated an agreement to allow the EAS funding to be restored. Without the amendment, the bill would have cut funding for regional air service to community airports across the country.

"Rural communities across the country are facing many challenges, from plant closings and budget deficits to rising health costs and an aging infrastructure," Peterson said. "The $63 million for Essential Air Service is a relatively small investment that makes a huge difference for rural communities ... Preserving air service to rural towns and communities is essential for spurring economic growth and connecting citizens and families living in rural areas to the worldwide transportation network."

Restoring EAS funding has been a main objective of the Regional Airline Association.

>>Contact: Office of Rep. John Petersen, 202-225-5121; Faye Malarkey, RAA, 202-367-1170; Jerry Moran Moran (R-Kan.), 202-225-2715; Rep. Tim Johnson (R-Ill.), 202-225- 2371.<<