WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Arlen Specter (D-PA) today applauded the inclusion of an amendment to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act that extends the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Lancaster Airport through Sept. 30, 2013. The Senate will now enter into a conference with the House to reconcile differences between two versions of the bill.
“This amendment is great news for Lancaster,” said Senator Casey. “If this provision becomes law, travelers in the Lancaster area will continue to have access to air service. It should also help bolster tourism, economic growth and job creation in Lancaster County. I will continue to fight for the inclusion of this amendment in the final version of the FAA reauthorization bill.”
“Eligibility for commercial air service under this program is important to economic development and job creation in the Lancaster community,” Senator Specter said. “I am pleased that the provision has been included in the bill and I will work with Senator Casey and my colleagues to ensure Lancaster Airport’s continued participation.”
The Essential Air Service (EAS) program guarantees a minimal level of scheduled air service to communities that were served by certificated air carriers prior to deregulation. The U.S. Department of Transportation currently subsidizes commuter airlines to serve approximately 140 rural communities that otherwise would not receive any scheduled air service. Without the EAS Program, many small communities would be unable to attract commercial air service.
If this amendment is enacted into law, Cape Air Service will continue to provide service between Lancaster Airport and BWI until September 2013. Senators Casey and Specter have both been strong supporters of ensuring Lancaster Airport’s continued participation in the EAS program.
Senator Casey co-sponsored this amendment in the Senate.
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