Huffman, DeFazio Announce Essential Air Service Agreement for Crescent City

September 11, 2020

San Rafael, CA – Today, Representatives Jared Huffman (CA-02) and Peter DeFazio (OR-04), Chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, shared the announcement that the U.S. Department of Transportation has approved the application submitted by the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority on behalf of the community of Crescent City, California, for the continuation of service provided under the current Alternate Essential Air Service grant to Contour Airlines.

“As is often the case, sometimes the lowest-cost alternative is not the best option for the people we serve,” said Rep. Huffman. “This decision allows communities to continue to benefit from the most reliable service they have enjoyed, and will provide four years of certainty to the communities and the carrier, allowing for a long-term relationship to develop and grow.”

“The Border Coast Regional Airport Authority is an essential economic driver for southwest Oregon and provides, quite literally, essential air service for many in the region,” said Chair DeFazio. “Continuing passenger service will ensure the communities of Del Norte County, California, and Curry County, Oregon have a viable air service option, which is why I am pleased that the Department of Transportation has approved this important grant at our urging.”

In May of this year, Representative Huffman and Chair DeFazio sent a letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao supporting the Border Coast Regional Airport Authority’s application for this grant.

Under this ruling, the Department of Transportation will enter into a grant agreement with Crescent City to provide up to $3,564,794 in year one, with a two percent cost escalation allowance in years two through four, for a total of $14,692,683 during the 48-month term from October 1, 2020, through September 30, 2024. Crescent City will use the grant for public charter service from Del Norte County Regional Airport (CEC) to Oakland International Airport (OAK) or an alternate large- or medium-hub airport designated by the community, using 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 (EMB-135) aircraft.

The official order from the U.S. Department of Transportation can be viewed here. 

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