Some regional airports across the country face the risk of severe budget cuts. That includes the South Arkansas Regional Airport nine miles west of El Dorado, Arkansas, along with similar airports in Harrison, Hot Springs and Jonesboro, Arkansas.
The Trump administration has proposed cutting $308 million from the Essential Air Service program. The EAS program subsidizes airlines to serve regional airports. As the U.S. Department of Transportation explains, EAS was established in 1978 following the airline industry’s deregulation. Its primary objective is to serve communities across the country that otherwise would not receive scheduled air service. The program mandates a minimum level of service, which is typically two daily round trips to a central hub airport.
The Vice Chairman of the airport commission in El Dorado – Stewart Chandler -- says the cuts could mean the loss of airline operations. “Basically, people that utilize that service, that have a need for that service, to get connected to a larger metropolitan airport, or to be able to connect through a large or medium hub airport, will not be able to do so if we do lose the Essential Air Service program.”
As Chandler explains, losing airline service would turn affected regional airports into general aviation facilities, leading to an exodus of ancillary businesses, like car rental companies, which relied on airlines to survive.
Yet, the Trump administration has called spending on the EAS program out of control. Their proposed funding cut of $308 million constitutes more than 50% reduction. It is all spelled out in the discretionary funding requests the White House published in early May:
"The EAS program funnels taxpayer dollars to airlines to subsidize half-empty flights from airports that are within easy commuting distance from each other, while also failing to effectively provide assistance to most rural air travelers."For Chandler, he says Arkansas’ congressional delegation has been made aware of their concerns. Until the budget debate ends, he can only wait and hope for the best, “on pins and needles.”
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, and a graduate of the University of Washington, Jeff began his on-air broadcasting career 33 years ago in the Black Hills of South Dakota as a general assignment reporter.