Klobuchar, Franken, Peterson, McCollum, Walz, Ellison, Nolan Urge DOT Secretary Chao to Adequately Fund Critical Aviation Programs in Minnesota in the Administration's Budget
Press Release
U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Al Franken, and Representatives Collin Peterson, Betty McCollum, Tim Walz, Keith Ellison, and Rick Nolan, have urged Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao to advocate for adequate funding for critical aviation programs in Minnesota in the Administration's Fiscal Year 2018 budget. The Essential Air Service Program supports flights to and from airports in Bemidji, Brainerd, Chisholm/Hibbing, International Falls, and Thief River Falls. The cost effective Contract Tower Program allows air traffic services to be contracted to the private sector at visual flight rule airports, such as Anoka County Airport and St. Cloud Regional Airport. In a letter to Secretary Chao, the lawmakers stressed the importance of these programs in maintaining Minnesota's robust commercial, business, and aviation sectors.
"We write to bring your attention to two programs that are critical to aviation in Minnesota: the Essential Air Service Program and the Contract Tower Program. We urge you to advocate for adequate funding for both programs as you finalize the Administration's full fiscal year 2018 budget proposal," the lawmakers wrote. "Minnesota has a vibrant aviation sector that is a key economic engine in our state. We are home to more than 135 public airports ranging from a 3,500 foot grass strip at Backus Municipal Airport to Minneapolis--St. Paul International Airport (MSP), the 16th busiest airfield in the country. All of these airports and the nearly 12,000 licensed pilots in Minnesota are key to the continued health of the aviation sector. According to a study by the Federal Aviation Administration, in 2012 civil aviation contributed more than $16.5 billion to Minnesota's economy and supported 146,000 jobs. Healthy hub, regional, and general aviation airports are important to maintaining Minnesota's robust commercial, business, and general aviation sectors."
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