Rep. Vargas Fights to Keep Imperial County Airport Operating
WASHINGTON, DC (April 23, 2014) – Today, the Department of Transportation announced that the Imperial County Airport is on a list of airports potentially losing federal support under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. In 2012, President Obama signed the “Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act,” which requires subsidized communities to maintain an average of ten passenger enplanements per service day in order to remain in the EAS program. For the first time in five years, the Imperial County Airport has fallen below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements.
“The people of the Imperial Valley have already sacrificed enough and should not be subjected to yet another round of government cuts. The function of the government is to protect its people, not condemn an already economically struggling community to even more financial hardship,” said Rep. Vargas. “For the past 5 years, the Imperial County Airport has dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum. It is completely unjust that this airport be targeted for removal from the program because of a single slow year.”
The Essential Air Service was put into place to guarantee that small communities, such as the Imperial Valley, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. This is accomplished by subsidizing two to four round trips a day to major hubs, with three being the norm. The Department of Transportation currently subsidizes commuter airlines to serve approximately 163 rural communities across the country that otherwise would not receive any scheduled air service.
According to the Department of Transportation, the Imperial Valley Airport has been over the minimum enplanement for four of the last five years, with FY 2013 being the first year it went below 10. Beginning in FY 2009 and ending in FY 2012, the airport logged in 16, 17.7, 20, and 20.7 enplanements, respectively.
“The Imperial Valley Airport has a tremendous track record, clearly showing that it characteristically reaches and surpasses the EAS program requirements put forth by the government,” concluded Rep. Vargas.
Vargas represents California’s 51st Congressional District, which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border. Vargas is currently serving his first term in Congress. He represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.