The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that Kirksville will continue to receive essential air service (EAS) subsidies for two years. Air service will be provided by Mesa Air Group Inc. The decision also terminates a tentative previous order, which would have terminated commercial air service to Kirksville because of low passenger levels.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - - The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced that Kirksville will continue to receive essential air service (EAS) subsidies for two years. Air service will be provided by Mesa Air Group Inc. The decision also terminates a tentative previous order, which would have terminated commercial air service to Kirksville because of low passenger levels.
The decision comes on the heels of a letter, drafted by U.S. Representative Kenny Hulshof (MO-09) and signed by U.S. Senators Jim Talent and Kit Bond, submitted to DOT’s Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs urging the department to reverse its decision and continue EAS supported flights to Kirksville. Hulshof also hosted a roundtable discussion last week at the Kirksville airport. At the discussion, community leaders discussed not only how to save air service for Kirksville, but ways to make sure it thrives.
“Air service is critical for Kirksville’s economic development,” Hulshof said. “Area businesses, colleges and hospitals depend upon this service. Commercial air service to Kirksville is truly a lifeline to the economic health of area communities. Our challenge was to get bureaucrats in Washington to understand the unique situation Kirksville is in relating to its proximity to airports in St. Louis and Kansas City,” Hulshof stated. “The challenge that lies ahead is promoting the service in Adair County and surrounding communities, making sure people are aware of the services that are available at Kirksville Regional Airport.”
Airport Director David Hall applauded the decision. “This is great news not only for the continued economic development of the Northeast Missouri area, but for all segments of travel in and out of the Kirksville area,” Hall said. “Without the support of Congressman Hulshof, this would not have been possible and for that we thank him and his staff.”
“Strong, reliable air service to and from Kirksville is beneficial to communities throughout Northeast Missouri,” said Phil Tate, executive director of Kirksville Regional Economic Development Incorporated. “We owe a debt of gratitude to Congressman Hulshof and his staff for doing the leg work and helping the decision-makers in Washington understand the exceptional situation in which Kirksville finds itself.”
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