Casey Votes to Protect Small Pennsylvania Airports

Altoona, Bradford, DuBois, Johnstown, Lancaster and Oil City/Franklin Airports Will Benefit
 
WASHINGTON, DC— U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) today voted to preserve support for Pennsylvania airports in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program when an amendment to eliminate the program came to the Senate floor today. The amendment was rejected by a vote of 61-38.

“Eliminating the EAS program would have been devastating to the economies of rural communities in Pennsylvania,” said Senator Casey. “I am proud to stand up for the regions of Pennsylvania that rely on the EAS program for sustained economic development and jobs. At a time when the Commonwealth is struggling to recover from a devastating recession, I will continue to fight everyday for economic growth and job creation strategies for Pennsylvania.”
 
Earlier this month, Senator Casey joined three Senate colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Senator John McCain (R-AZ) outlining their opposition to Senator McCain’s amendment to the FAA Reauthorization Bill that would have eliminated the EAS program.
 
In Pennsylvania, six community airports, including Altoona, Bradford, DuBois, Johnstown, Lancaster and Oil City/Franklin are served by EAS supported airlines.  Last year, roughly $8.8 million in federal funding was provided to ensure air service in these communities. 

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