The US Department of Transportation is once again accepting proposals from airlines wanting to provide commercial air service for the Pierre and Watertown Regional Airports.
Pierre City Commissioner Jamie Huizenga says both airports qualify for federal Essential Air Service contracts.
Huizenga says once the USDOT receives the proposals, the city gets to review them and provide input.
Proposals to serve Pierre, Watertown or the two towns together are being accepted through Dec. 19, 2022.
Denver Air Connection Director of Business Development Jon Coleman says they are “considering submitting a proposal.” DAC’s current EAS contract for both airports runs through May 31, 2023.
An Essential Air Service contract provides federal subsidies to make the cost of flights more affordable for travelers. The USDOT makes the ultimate contract agreements, but does give EAS communities the opportunity to review the proposals and make a recommendation.
Through October 2022, over 13,000 (13,202) people have flown out of the Pierre Regional Airport. DAC currently provides 12 flights per week between Pierre and the Denver International Airport. As of Nov. 1, 2022, there are single flights on Mondays and Thursdays, with two flights per day on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.
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