Funding Will Help Airport to Increase Service, Lower Fares and Attract Travelers to Region / The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport Serves over 1.7 Million Residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Washington DC- Today U. S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) called on the Federal Aviation Administration to consider a grant to the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport to help increase service and lower costs.
“The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport serves over 1.7 million residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania and demand for service to the area is only expected to increase,” said Senator Casey. “This funding will help the airport increase service, lower fares and attract both businesses and recreational travelers to the region.”
Full text of the letter is below:
The Honorable Michael P. Huerta
Administrator
Federal Aviation Administration
Dear Administrator Huerta:
It is my understanding that Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport in Pennsylvania has submitted an application to the Federal Aviation Administration’s Small Community Air Service Development Grant program. The purpose of this letter is to urge you to give full and fair consideration to this proposal.
I have been informed that the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport will use the funding from the Small Community Air Service Development Grant to expand their service and lower customer costs. Specifically, I understand that the airport’s three main program goals are to secure air service along leisure and vacation routes, restore service to business destinations on the eastern seaboard, and to expand a marketing campaign to attract new carriers to the airport. The estimated total project cost is just under $1.2 million, and when these goals are met the entire Northeastern Pennsylvania region will experience the economic benefits of lower air fares and expanded air service.
The Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport serves over 1.7 million residents in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Demand for air service to and from the region is expected to increase beyond current numbers because this airport is located in close proximity to significant deposits of natural gas located in northeastern and central Pennsylvania. Despite these factors, air travelers in the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton metropolitan area pay fares higher than in most similarly-sized regions around the country. As it appears, this funding will help make Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International airport more attractive to businesses and recreational travelers alike.
Thank you in advance for the consideration of my views. Please include this letter in the official record of the application. Consistent with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, I also respectfully request that you keep me informed of the status of this grant application. Finally, if you have any questions, comments or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at (202) 224-6324.
Sincerely,
Robert P. Casey, Jr.
United States Senator
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