CONGRESSMAN SALAZAR: "HARD WORK ON RURAL AIRPORT GRANT HAS PAID OFF"

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WASHINGTON, DC – The only Member of the Colorado delegation on the Aviation Subcommittee, Congressman John Salazar today released the following statement regarding the announcement of Delta Air Lines flights to Durango.

“One of my goals in Congress has been to make rural air travel more accessible and affordable because it’s so critical to our economic growth.
 
“I joined the Aviation Subcommittee so I could fight for funds for our rural airports. My interest in pursuing this grant was to help La Plata County Airport better connect with the national air transport system, opening up new economic opportunities and helping make rural air travel easier.

“Small airports are what keep our communities and economies connected and I’m very happy to see that our hard work has paid off.”

In April 2005, Salazar petitioned Transportation Secretary Mineta for a grant for the La Plata County Airport, which resulted in a $750,000 award in August 2005.

A small airplane pilot himself, often flying himself to events around his sprawling district, Congressman Salazar has a firsthand understanding the challenges with rural air travel. Over the last year, he has worked directly with the FAA and local communities to make rural airport travel more affordable and accessible.