The program helps connect rural and low-population hubs to larger airports.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the Department of Transportation secured an additional $111 million in funding to sustain the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. The program was in danger of funding lapses due to the shutdown.
The Transportation Department stated, “Additional funding should prevent the program from lapsing until November 18, and USDOT may have authority to extend it beyond that date.”
Secretary Duffy said, “I am doing everything in my power to keep DOT programs like Essential Air Service going through the shutdown so no community loses access having access to vital services and opportunities. This… shutdown is unsustainable. [Leaders] Schumer and Jeffries need to put political radicalism aside and reopen the government now.”
The Transportation Department explained, “Should funding lapse, the Department will suspend the contractual obligations of the air carriers providing EAS and will suspend reimbursement under AEAS grants until such time as appropriated funding is restored, and full budgetary authority is reinstated.”
“EAS provides subsidies to air carriers to operate out of rural or low-population airports for routes that are otherwise not profitable. These routes connect smaller and medium sized regions to larger airports, expanding these communities’ access to transportation services.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Duffy to seek the Lord’s wisdom as he works to ensure essential transportation services continue.
- For members of Congress as they evaluate the needed appropriations for federal programs.
Sources: Department of Transportation
