By Donna Westfall – October 2, 2018 –
The Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act, which was passed by the House of Representatives earlier last week, could provide a boost to Del Norte County air service.
The act would also ensure our airport in Crescent City continues to receive funding through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program through the year 2023. Previous EAS legislation had to be renewed every two years.
Earlier this year Supervisor Berkowitz traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for a five year bill that would eliminate the necessity to constantly travel to D.C. to press for continuation of the EAS bill. Thank you Supervisor Berkowitz.
Berkowitz said, “This bill is important to the continuation of air service for Del Norte County. Without it, we could be left high and dry and have no air service at all.
“EAS funding is what funds Contour Airlines to come to Crescent City,” said Susan Daugherty, the Crescent City airport’s program manager. “It’s always good when it gets refunded again.”
She said that program allows for daily service to Oakland.“It’s one flight a day,” she said. “It starts at $69 one way.” She said Crescent City’s airport also received grant funding for infrastructure.
The legislation also includes provisions that would affect air travelers. Chief among them: The bill orders the FAA to set standards for the size of airline seats, part of what’s known as the “Seat Egress in Air Travel (SEAT) Act.” The agency would have one year to come up with minimum requirements for seat width and for the space between seats.
