DOT Seeks Applications For Grants To Improve Air Service to Small Communities

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DOT 35-03
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
Contact: Bill Mosley
Tel.: (202) 366-5571

DOT Seeks Applications For Grants To Improve Air Service to Small Communities

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today invited smaller U.S. communities to apply for grants under a program to help these communities enhance their airline service.

This is the second year DOT will award grants under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. A total of $20 million is available for grants to help communities address their local air service problems, such as high fares and insufficient levels of service. The department may award grants to up to 40 communities, no more than four of which may be from the same state. Last year, DOT received 180 proposals and awarded $20 million for 40 programs in 38 states.

“These grants will help smaller communities develop and improve their access to the national air transportation system,” Secretary Mineta said. “We will monitor these programs and use the results to better assist other communities in the future.”

In today’s request for proposals, DOT invited communities to develop their own innovative solutions to their air service problems and demonstrate how federal funds would help address these problems. Eligible projects include subsidies and financial incentives to air carriers, studies and marketing programs.

In considering the grant proposals, DOT will give priority to those communities that:

have high airfares compared to other communities;
contribute financially to the project from sources other than airport revenues;
have established or will establish a public/private partnership to improve their air service; and
submitted proposals that will benefit a broad segment of the public by providing greater access to the national transportation system.

The program was authorized by the Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21^st Century, which was enacted in 2000. A supplemental appropriations bill enacted April 16 enabled DOT to move forward with this year’s grants.

Applications for grants are due June 30. The department’s request for proposals is available on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, docket number OST-2003-15065. Community proposals also will be filed on this docket. Information on 2002 grant recipients is available at docket OST-2002-11590.

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Briefing Room