Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Craig Thomas and Mike Enzi and U.S. Rep. Barbara Cubin, all R-Wyo., are pleased to announce $800,000 in funds to help encourage commercial air service in towns across Wyoming.

“Air service is critical to the state’s economy. Wyoming airports faced stiff competition in getting this grant funding. I’m pleased we’re using federal planning dollars to ensure a more reliable, safe and affordable air system in the state,” Thomas said.

“This grant should increase use of Wyoming’s air service, helping to make the state more accessible and that makes the air routes more desirable for airlines. This should lend strength to our economy. In January I encouraged airports to apply for these grants and I congratulate them for their successful effort amid considerable competition,” said Enzi.

"In today’s marketplace, reliable air service is not a luxury, but a necessity that should be readily accessible to everyone," said Cubin. "Wyoming’s families and small business owners depend on their local airports to operate smoothly and offer competitive rates when they travel. I applaud Wyoming’s airports for pooling their resources and submitting a successful grant application that, when implemented, should create long-term benefits for Wyoming travelers."

The funds are from a Small Community Air Service Development Program grant funded by FY 2005 appropriations. The $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) will be used to institute a statewide marketing program involving 10 Wyoming communities with the goal of increasing services at each airport. Local sources will provide an additional $200,000 plus in-kind contributions.

Airports in Casper, Cheyenne, Cody, Gillette, Jackson, Laramie, Riverton, Rock Springs, Sheridan and Worland will benefit from the grant. Out of 80 applications the DOT considered for the $19 million program only 37 were awarded, including the application submitted by the 10 Wyoming airports.

“The delegation has shown their long term commitment to air service in the state. This federal program is a way to leverage local, state, and federal funding to foster true partnerships with the aviation community and the air service providers. One of the most important aspects of enhancing air service is the commitment each community will put forth. The money will be used to provide the public with incentives to fly and better market the services we have to offer in the state. We have a new set of possibilities. This is a huge win for Wyoming. It’s a real coup,” said Shelly Reams, Aeronautics Administrator, representing the Wyoming Aeronautics Commission and the Wyoming DOT. Reams can be reached at 307-777-3952.

The DOT gave priority to proposals from communities that have high airfares compared to other communities, could contribute financially to the project from sources other than airport revenues, and have established or will establish public/private partnerships to improve their air service. Proposals were also judged on the likelihood that a broad segment of the public with limited access to the national transportation system will be helped and will use the assistance in a timely fashion.

A list of recipient communities and funding totals can be accessed by visiting www.dot.gov/affairs/chart05.htm .