Pierre’s airport is partially funded through the federal Essential Air Service program, which means the U.S. Department of Transportation provides a subsidy to the commercial air carrier providing service in order to maintain flight options at small airports around the country.
However, South Dakota Department of Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt says depending on what the Senate does with the budget bill, EAS funding could be reduced by more than $300 million.
There are three EAS airports in South Dakota– Pierre, Watertown and Aberdeen. Jundt says the town governments in those three places are aware of the possible cuts and are urging South Dakota Senators John Thune and Mike Rounds to not support those cuts.
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