The Essential Air Service provides federal support to U.S. commuter air carriers to help defer some of the high costs of providing air service to rural communities. The program recently came under scrutiny in Congress with an amendment to S.223, the FAA Air Transportation Act, which would have eliminated all funding for the EAS program. In our region, the loss of these funds would jeopardize air service to Angoon, Hoonah, Tenakee, Haines, Skagway, Gustavus, Elfin Cove and Pelican.

The legislature responded with HR 5 urging Congress to exempt Alaska. Today we received news that the amendment was revised to phase out the national program over four years with the exception of Alaska and Hawaii which will continue to qualify for the federal monies. The action recognizes the unique Alaskan terrain where air service in remote communities provides critical passenger, cargo and mail services.