Protecting Rural Air Service

Twelve of my colleagues and I sent a letter today to the House Budget Committee Chairman urging him to stop proposed cuts to the Essential Air Service program. The Bush Administration has proposed a 50% reduction in the program which helps rural airports sustain and attract air carriers to the region. These proposed cuts would not only jeopardize rural America's access to the national air system, but make it difficult for air carriers to stay in business at a time when fuel costs are already creating significant financial problems.

Jonesboro Municipal Airport is an Essential Air Service airport and stands to lose $923,456 under the Bush Administration's proposed cuts.