U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation

Senator Stevens Calls for Continued Funding for Essential Air Service

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called for continued funding of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program during the Commerce Committee hearing on improving air service to small and rural communities.

Senator Stevens gave the following statement:

“I want to thank everyone for being here. Thank you to Senator Rockefeller and Senator Lott for holding this hearing at my request.

“I would like to extend a special welcome to John Torgerson from Alaska. John is the Deputy Commissioner of Aviation for the State of Alaska and we appreciate him taking the time to testify.

“Rural air service is a vital component of Alaska’s transportation system. Alaska depends on aviation more than any other state. More than 70 percent of our cities, towns, and villages can be reached only by air. Instead of cars and buses, we have airplanes.

“Maintaining service to small and rural communities through the Essential Air Service program was a key element of deregulation. This Committee created Essential Air Service. In Alaska, we have 41 subsidized communities which rely on the Essential Air Service program for access to hospitals, mail service, food, and basic supplies and to transport teams back and forth to play basketball.

“Rural air service funding and reform is an annual challenge for Congress. In addition to finding a funding solution for the future air traffic control system, the Committee is also looking for innovative reforms for the program.

“New innovation in the marketplace may hold great promise for rural air service. There is great interest in the emergence of very light jets. These new aircraft may prove to be a unique opportunity for small communities in Alaska to maintain and improve aviation access.

“However, Congress must remain vigilant in funding the Essential Air Service program. Rural air service is literally the life line for many Alaskans, and a healthy Essential Air Service program nationally, makes for a healthy program in Alaska.”