U.S. Rep. Nick J. Rahall (D-WV) is fighting to save the Essential Air Service Program, which supplies much-needed funds to many airports in rural communities. "The Essential Air Service Program provides rural areas with a vital link to our national air transportation system and promotes business development in West Virginia's communities. I'm fighting hard for this program's survival," said Rahall.

The administration has proposed a $52 million cut to EAS, a cut of more than half from the amount provided in the last budget. With these cuts to EAS, one third of the 152 rural airports participating in the EAS program would be hard-pressed to remain operational and most would be forced to close their hangar doors.

"The name of this program says it all, it is essential to southern West Virginia," said Rahall. "The Essential Air Service program provides access to our area and is critical to the economic prosperity of many West Virginia communities. Unlike in metropolitan areas where residents have extensive transportation options, residents of rural areas rely heavily on the EAS program. If the Administration has its way, West Virginia's rural airports will be forced to close their hanger doors."

Rahall urged U.S. Rep. Joe Knollenberg (R-MI), the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee's Subcommittee on Transportation, Treasury, HUD, Judiciary and District of Columbia, to fund the EAS program at last year's level of $102 million. In years past the Appropriations Committee has supported the EAS program, for which Rahall notes he is grateful.

"As the Transportation Appropriations bill for 2006 is developed I encourage Chairman Knollenberg and the others on the Subcommittee to fund the EAS program at last year's level and help rural communities across the country keep their airports," said Rahall.