Friday, September 22, 2006
CONTACT: Barry E. Piatt
or Brenden Timpe
PHONE: 202-224-2551
DORGAN MEETS WITH CITY, AIRPORT OFFICIALS TO DISCUSS ENHANCING AIR SERVICE IN DICKINSON
(DICKINSON, NORTH DAKOTA) --- U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan said Friday the increased activity in western North Dakota's oil industry is pushing up demand for commercial air service, and that increased demand should make a stronger case for a third daily commercial flight into Williston and Dickinson.
Dorgan called the meeting to discuss commercial passenger service in Dickinson and Williston. Currently, the federal Essential Air Service program supports two flights per day to Dickinson and Williston. Dorgan has pushed the U.S. Department of Transportation to support a third daily flight.
Estimates show this year, boardings at Williston increased by 23 percent and Dickinson by 12 percent. In August, the state’s total airline boardings were at an all-time historical high.
“As we develop the Bakken Shale and other oil reserves in western North Dakota, we will need more air service in Dickinson, Williston and the region,” Dorgan said. “I’ll continue to push the Department of Transportation to support air transportation that can better serve western North Dakota.”
Dorgan, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, has fought repeated Administration efforts to slash funding for the Essential Air Service program, which lends critical support to airline service in several North Dakota cities.
--END--