Congress is debating the idea of ending the Essential Air Service program, which would have a direct and significant impact to airports at Watertown and Huron. The E-A-S program began in 1978 after the government deregulated the airline industry. It gives air carriers a financial incentive not to drop lightly-traveled routes that lose money. The House ha s voted to phase out the program, despite the objects of Congresswoman Kristi Noem….
The Senate wants to continue the Essential Air Service program, but tighten eligibility criteria. One-hundred-ten airports nationally—including Watertown and Huron—receive funding from the program.
(courtesy KWAT Watertown)