For Immediate Release
June 11, 2003

Rep. Pitts measure to restore Lancaster’s air service clears House

Washington—Congressman Joe Pitts (R, PA-16) today praised the House of Representatives for passing his amendment to H.R. 2115 the Flight 100 – Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act. The amendment is nearly identical to H.R. 1944, the Essential Air Service Eligibility Fairness Act of 2003, which would improve the eligibility process for Essential Air Service (EAS) grants. Rep Pitts introduced H.R. 1944 on May 1, 2003. The amendment unanimously passed the House by vote of 422 to 0.

“This is a big win for Lancaster! And it’s the next step in bringing commercial air service back to our area. Now it’s the Senate’s turn. Senator Specter has worked hard on this legislation. I am optimistic that we can get something through the Senate and signed into law,” said Rep. Pitts in a statement today.

The Essential Air Services (EAS) program is operated out of the Department of Transportation (DOT). It provides operating subsidies to airlines, enabling them to serve smaller markets, which would otherwise be unable to attract or retain commercial flights.

“The Essential Air Service program is important for many small airports throughout the country,” wrote Rep. Pitts in a letter to House colleagues this morning. “It helps smaller communities to connect with larger cities, and facilitates travel, tourism, and economic development.”

To be eligible to receive such a subsidy, the community where the airport is located must be more than 70 miles from the nearest hub airport. If the airport is located within 70 miles of a hub airport, the Secretary of Transportation may use his discretion to award a subsidy if the most "commonly used highway route" between both places is greater than 70 miles. It is up to the Department of Transportation to choose the route used in making this mileage determination.

On March 21, 2003, the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) order denying Lancaster an Essential Air Service (EAS) subsidy on the grounds that Secretary Mineta has the authority to make the final decision regarding EAS subsidies.

“As a result of the Department’s determination, Lancaster Airport’s only commercial air carrier, ceased operation at the airport on March 23,” said Rep. Pitts on the House floor. “The carrier maintained that current market conditions, fewer passengers, and high costs made it impossible to continue without investment from the EAS program.”

Lancaster argues that the route Secretary Mineta used is not the most commonly used highway route, but rather using a 66 mile route along Route 30 which would take over three hours to drive. The more commonly traveled route to the Philadelphia International Airport would be 80 miles along US 222 to the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and then on to I-76, which would take only an hour and a half to drive.

“This issue affects other small airports throughout the country, and could effect more if it’s not addressed,” continued Rep. Pitts on the House floor. “My amendment addresses this problem by requiring the Secretary of Transportation to define a consistent standard for determining the most commonly used route. It also requires the Secretary to consult with the Governor of the State or the Governor’s designee as to the most commonly used highway route between that airport and the nearest hub airport.

“The amendment is narrowly tailored to improve the EAS eligibility process without impeding on the Secretary’s authority to determine eligibility.”

The amendment requires the Secretary of Transportation to consult with the Governor or the Governor's designee as to the most commonly used highway route.

“More than 870,000 air trips originate from Lancaster County every year,” said Rep. Pitts in a statement. “These travelers pay more than $20 million in aviation taxes. They need convenient air service. And our economy needs it.

“Small airports like Lancaster provide essential air service to millions around the nation. They play an important role in our nation’s economic health. If this bill becomes law it will go a long way towards protecting commercial air service at these airports,” said Rep. Pitts.

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