Wed, Jul 15, 2009
Essential Air Service Approved For $53 Million Increase
A U.S. House of Representatives panel has increased funding
for the Essential Air Service, which makes airline and other travel
available to some of the more rural communities in the United
States. But money for the much-criticized program is far from a
done deal.
The Associated Press reports that in many cases the flights are
nearly empty. And in the case of some of the shorter-haul flights,
it takes less time to drive than fly.
Essential Air Services serves 107 communities in 31 states,
including 45 very small towns in Alaska. While the most recent Bush
administration tried to cut the program more than once, it enjoys
strong support on Capitol Hill. In April, White House Budget
Director Peter Orszag received a letter signed by 22 Members of
Congress practically demanding more money for the program.
President Obama obliged, asking for the major increase in his
budget presented in February even while admitting the program was
inefficient. In many cases, the subsidy per seat is more than the
passenger paid to be on the airplane.
While the Obama administration says the increase is needed just
so the program can stay even, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood
admits there are inefficiencies in the Essential Air Service. "The
program design must be updated and made more cost effective,"
Transportation he told lawmakers earlier this year, adding that
there needs to be "a more sustainable program that will provide
better value for passengers and the American taxpayer."
Approval by the House Subcommittee is a preliminary step, and
the bill faces a long road. It is part of a broader
transportation bill that would also build high-speed rail, spending
more than 4 times what the President requested in his stimulus
package.
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