Dothan Regional Airport

Dothan, Alabama

Proposal Under the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program

Docket DOT-OST-2010-0124

Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number 040648222

Two Digit Congressional District Code: 02
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY LETTER .................................................................................. 4

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...................................................................................... 5

AIR SERVICE OVERVIEW................................................................................... 7

Catchment Area ..................................................................................................................................................... 7

Other Commercial Airport Locations in the Region ............................................................................................... 8

Current Nonstop Routes and Frequencies ............................................................................................................ 9

Air Service Development Efforts ............................................................................................................................ 9

Airport Marketing and Promotion .........................................................................................................................10

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES ......................... 11

Capacity Trends ...................................................................................................................................................11

Declining Traffic ...................................................................................................................................................12

Prohibitively High Fares .......................................................................................................................................14

Second Highest Domestic Fare in the Lower 48 United States...........................................................................17

STRATEGIC PLAN ............................................................................................ 18

Goals ....................................................................................................................................................................18

Target Airline Support ..........................................................................................................................................18

Local Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic and Revenue ...........................................................................................19

Similarities to the Columbus, Georgia-Dallas/Ft. Worth Market ..........................................................................22

Connecting Traffic and Revenue Via American's Dallas/Ft. Worth Hub..............................................................24

Proposed Schedule..............................................................................................................................................26

Alternate Strategies..............................................................................................................................................26

PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND FUNDING ....................... 27

Public / Private Partnerships ................................................................................................................................27

Project Funding ....................................................................................................................................................28

Implementation Timeline......................................................................................................................................29

Start-Up Period and Sustainability of the Market.................................................................................................29

PROJECT MONITORING AND FINANCIAL CONTROL.................................... 30

Success Metrics ...................................................................................................................................................30

Legal Sponsor......................................................................................................................................................30

Financial Controls ................................................................................................................................................30

Expiration of Grant Funding Prior to Self Sustainability.......................................................................................31
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

3

APPENDIX A: REQUIRED SUMMARY INFORMATION................................... 32

A. Applicant Information....................................................................................................................................32

B. Public/Private Partnerships ..........................................................................................................................32

C. Project Proposal ...........................................................................................................................................32

D. Existing Landing Aids at Local Airport ..........................................................................................................32

E. Project Cost ..................................................................................................................................................33

F. Enplanements...............................................................................................................................................33

G. Is this application subject to review by state under Executive Order 12372 Process? ................................33

H. Is this applicant delinquent on any federal debt? .........................................................................................33

APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY BACKGROUND.................................................. 34

Dothan and Southeastern Alabama Economic and Community Information ......................................................34

APPENDIX C: LETTERS OF SUPPORT .......................................................... 41
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

4

INTRODUCTORY LETTER
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Dothan Regional Airport is proposing a Small Community Air Service Development Grant in the amount of 

$750,000 to supplement community and airport cash and in-kind funding totaling $476,000 to provide a minimum 

revenue guarantee and marketing support for service between Dothan and Dallas/Ft. Worth on 50-seat regional 

jets operated by American Eagle.

Dothan Regional Airport serves as the primary airport for residents of, and visitors to Southeastern Alabama,

Southwestern Georgia, and parts of the Florida Panhandle. It is the only airport in Southeastern Alabama with 

commercial service. The Airport is the closest airport to Fort Rucker, a U.S. Army base with 5,800 military 

personnel, 7,600 civilian and contract employees and 3,300 military family members. Fort Rucker drives the 

economy of the Dothan-Enterprise metropolitan statistical area and is an important component of the need for 

improved air service in Dothan.

Delta Air Lines is the only carrier with commercial service in Dothan with four roundtrips to its hub in Atlanta. 

Because there is no competitive air service in Dothan, fares are extremely high. Dothan's average domestic fare 

over the last four quarters was $351 each way, and the average domestic one-way fare in the most recent quarter 

was $398. Dothan's average domestic fare gives Dothan the distinction of having the second highest fare 

among all airports in the Lower 48 United States. Dothan's airline capacity and the traffic generated at the 

airport have declined each year since the year-end first quarter 2005 as the fare increased from an already high 

level $210 to $351 each way. $351 is just the average for the year-end first quarter 2010; analysis of quarterly 

data indicates the first quarter 2010 fare was $398 each way or $796 roundtrip. While the military or military 

contractors may be willing to pay fares at these levels, small businesses and residents in the region cannot afford 

to fly from Dothan Regional Airport, and travelers who cannot afford or are not willing to pay the unreasonably 

high fares must drive to an airport outside the region.

With the exception of Albany, Georgia, each of the communities surrounding Dothan – Montgomery, Ft. Walton 

Beach, Tallahassee and most recently, Columbus – are served by more than one carrier, and fares are generally 

lower at the surrounding airports. While the average domestic fare in Columbus was only marginally lower than 

the average Dothan fare, American Eagle recently began serving the Columbus market, and the competition 

provided by American Eagle will most likely force fares lower in Columbus.

Dothan's local Dallas/Ft. Worth market size and average fare are higher than the local Columbus-Dallas/Ft. Worth 

market size and American would likely generate more local traffic in Dothan than it generates in Columbus. The 

introduction of nonstop service in and of itself would stimulate the market size, but American would also likely 

introduce lower fares in the market (or at least open more inventory priced at the lowest fares versus the amount 

of low-priced inventory currently available on Delta via Atlanta) thereby stimulating the market size.
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

6

Service to Dallas/Ft. Worth on American would link Dothan with many of its largest markets American serves 

beyond Dallas/Ft. Worth and likely increase traffic and lower fares in these markets.
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

7

AIR SERVICE OVERVIEW

Catchment Area

Dothan Regional Airport is the primary airport serving Southeastern Alabama, Southwestern Alabama and parts 

of the Florida Panhandle; 282,600 residents live within a 60-minute drive of the airport, and 507,200 residents live 

within a 90 minute drive of the airport. 

Exhibit 1: 60 and 90-Minute Drive Time Catchment Areas of Dothan Regional Airport

90 Minute Drive Time

60 Minute Drive Time
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

8

Other Commercial Airport Locations in the Region

Dothan Regional Airport is the primary airport for travelers in the Dothan area; however, the limited service and 

high fares at Dothan force many residents and visitors to the area to use other airports in the region. Other 

airports with commercial service in the region are located in Albany, Montgomery, Columbus, Panama City,

Tallahassee and Ft. Walton Beach. 

Exhibit 2: Location of Dothan Regional Airport Relative to Other Airports in the Region, Distances and Drive Times from 

Dothan Regional Airport to Other Airports

Alternate Airport Distance

Mapquest Drive 

Time

Panama City 87 1:59

Albany 88 1:59

Montgomery 101 2:00

Columbus 104 2:03

Tallahassee 115 2:02

Fort Walton Beach 126 2:21
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

9

Current Nonstop Routes and Frequencies

Dothan is served only by Delta/Delta Connection with four roundtrips on 50-seat regional jets to Atlanta.

Exhibit 3: Current Route Operated from Dothan Regional Airport

Air Service Development Efforts

Dothan Regional Airport attended the Airports International Council JumpStart conference in San Diego this year 

in June. Meetings were held with American Eagle, United Airlines and US Airways. Business cases were 

presented to American Eagle for Dallas/Ft. Worth service, to United for Washington Dulles service and to US 

Airways for Charlotte service. American Eagle and United expressed particular interest in the Dothan market 

because Dothan Regional Airport is the closest market to Fort Rucker, and both airlines recognize the value of 

military traffic to their networks.
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

10

Airport Marketing and Promotion

In addition to meeting with airlines, Dothan Regional Airport also markets the airport's existing service to travelers 

in the catchment area. The Airport uses a mixed advertising strategy including local radio, print, outdoor and web 

outlets to convey a message of convenience targeted to business travelers. Dothan's high fares have caused 

leisure travelers to be priced out of market, but the military and business community will consider paying a 

premium for the convenience and faster service available at Dothan Regional Airport. The airport's marketing 

budget is approximately $50,000 per year. This is supplemented by playing an active role in local chamber and 

civic activities connecting the airport to the business community and economic development efforts. The airport 

also supports aviation education in the region with tours and in-kind services, and maintains a close partnership 

with Fort Rucker and its agencies.
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

11

AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT NEEDS AND DEFICIENCIES

Capacity Trends

In the year-end first quarter 2010, Dothan's capacity declined to its lowest point in ten years. In fact, Dothan's 

capacity has declined each year since 2005. Relative to year-end first quarter 2005, Dothan's capacity is down 

43% to 183 seats per day each way from 320 seats per day each way. 

Exhibit 4: Seats per Day Each Way (All Carriers) at Dothan Regional Airport – Year-End First Quarter 2001-2010 (DOT T-100 

data) 

259

269

294

273

320

287

253

201 197

183

0

100

200

300

400

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Seats per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

12

Declining Traffic

Just as Dothan's capacity declined to its low point of the last ten years, traffic has also declined to a low point. 

Domestic origin and destination traffic fell 46% from 129,760 passengers in the year-end first quarter 2005 to 

69,830 passengers in the year-end first quarter 2010, and international traffic fell to 8,560 origin and destinations 

passengers (Exhibit 5). In terms of passengers per day each way (PDEW), Dothan's traffic stood at 96 domestic 

PDEW and international traffic stood at 12 PDEW. (Exhibit 6) 

Exhibit 5: Annual Domestic and International Origin and Destination (O&D) Passengers at Dothan Regional Airport – YearEnd First Quarter 2001-2010 (DB1B data)

See Next Page for Exhibit 6

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

128,020

99,450

111,880 115,140

129,760

119,250

96,470

84,130 82,600

69,830

7,490

6,310

6,870

7,960

9,150

10,330

9,910

9,360 9,220

8,560

Domestic O&D International O&D
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

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Exhibit 6: Annual Domestic and International Passengers per Day Each Way (PDEW) at Dothan Regional Airport – Year-End 

First Quarter 2001-2010 (DB1B data)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

140

160

180

200

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

175.4

135.9

153.3 157.7

177.3

163.4

132.2

114.9 113.2

95.7

10.3

8.6

9.4

10.9

12.5

14.2

13.6

12.8 12.6

11.7

Domestic PDEW International PDEW
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

14

Prohibitively High Fares

As Dothan has lost capacity and traffic declined, fares have increased substantially (Exhibit 7). Since 2005, 

when capacity and traffic reached its peak, Dothan's average domestic one-way fare has increased $141 or 

67.4% from $210 to $351. The average one-way domestic fare of all Lower 48 airports in the year-end first 

quarter 2010 was $143, so Dothan's increase of $141 since 2005 is just $2 lower than the average domestic oneway fare of all Lower 48 airports in the year-end first quarter 2010.

Exhibit 7: Seats per Day Each Way and Average Domestic Fare at Dothan Regional Airport – Year-End First Quarter 2001-

2010 (DOT T-100 and DB1B data)

259

269

294

273

320

287

253

201 197

183

$214 $219

$203 $211 $210

$250

$298

$333

$356 $351

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

0

100

200

300

400

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Average Fare

Seats and Passengers per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way Domestic Avg Fare
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

15

While Dothan's year-end first quarter 2010 domestic one-way fare was $351, analysis of quarterly data indicates 

the fare rose from $324 in second quarter 2009 to $344 in third quarter to $345 in fourth quarter and finally to 

$398 in first quarter 2010 (Exhibit 8). $398 each way means the average domestic roundtrip from Dothan 

Regional Airport cost $796 in first quarter 2010 – a prohibitively expensive fare by any standard.

Exhibit 8: Seats per Day Each Way and Average Domestic Fare at Dothan Regional Airport - Quarterly Data – First Quarter 

2008 through First Quarter 2010 (DOT T-100 and DB1B data)

 

194

212

201

188 187 187 186

176 184

$339 $341

$359 $354

$371

$324

$344 $345

$398

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

$450

0

100

200

300

400

2008-Q1 2008-Q2 2008-Q3 2008-Q4 2009-Q1 2009-Q2 2009-Q3 2009-Q4 2010-Q1

Average Fare

Seats and Passengers per Day Each Way

Seats per Day Each Way Domestic Avg Fare
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

16

A significant share of the traffic in Dothan's catchment area leaks to other airports because fares are lower at 

other airports in the region. Dothan's year-end first quarter 2010 one-way domestic fare was significantly higher 

than domestic fares at all but one of the surrounding airports in the region (Exhibit 9). The other airport in the 

region with high fares was Columbus, Georgia, where the average fare was only $5 lower than Dothan's fare. 

Although the Columbus fare was high, Columbus fares will likely fall since American Eagle began service in 

Columbus on July 15. The next highest fare was $243 – more than $100 lower than the average Dothan fare and 

fares among the other airports ranged as low as $182 at other airports in the region. 

Exhibit 9: Average Domestic Fare in Dothan and the Airports Surrounding Dothan – Year-End First Quarter 2010 (DOT T-100 

and DB1B data)

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

Dothan Columbus Panama City Albany Montgomery Regional 

Average

Ft. Walton Tallahassee

$351 $344

$243 $232 $223 $216 $204 $182

Average Domestic Fare
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

17

Second Highest Domestic Fare in the Lower 48 United States

For the second year in a row, Dothan's average domestic fare was the second highest fare among all airports in 

the Lower 48 United States (Exhibit 10). At $351 each way, or $702 roundtrip, Dothan's average domestic fare 

was second only to Inyokern, California, and Dothan is one of only four Lower 48 markets with an average oneway fare greater than $300 in the year-end first quarter 2010. While several larger airports in the U.S. claim their 

market suffers from "high fares", Dothan area travelers might believe a low-cost carrier entered the market if they 

could pay the average fare of markets such as Huntsville, Columbia, Shreveport or Memphis. 

Exhibit 10: Domestic O&D Passengers, PDEW and Average Domestic One-Way Fare at the 25 Lower 48 Airports with the 

Highest Domestic Fares – Year-End First Quarter 2010 (DB1B data)

Rank City

1Q 2010 

Domestic O&D 

Passengers

Domestic 

PDEW

Average Domestic 

One-Way Fare

1 Inyokern 21,220 29 $408

2 Dothan 69,830 96 $351

3 Columbus, GA 83,840 115 $344

4 Devils Lake 7,220 10 $331

5 Minot 124,360 170 $289

6 Presque Isle 30,340 42 $288

7 Meridian 31,940 44 $285

8 Texarkana 47,930 66 $276

9 Watertown 4,960 7 $275

10 Aberdeen 37,440 51 $257

11 Columbia, MO 24,950 34 $257

12 Victoria 9,820 13 $255

13 LaCrosse 179,170 245 $255

14 Butte 44,100 60 $249

15 Lawton 112,710 154 $247

16 Alpena 13,880 19 $246

17 Hattiesburg 25,170 34 $245

18 Pierre 25,500 35 $244

19 Beaumont 37,090 51 $243

20 Panama City 272,140 373 $243

21 Oxnard 21,620 30 $242

22 Augusta 7,780 11 $241

23 Glendive 570 1 $237

24 Cortez 12,930 18 $236

25 Jacksonville, NC 241,740 331 $235
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

18

STRATEGIC PLAN

Goals

Dothan has two primary goals for its Small Community Air Service Development Grant proposal for service to 

Dallas/Ft. Worth on American:

 Lower fares to both military and non-military travelers in Dothan by introducing a competitor

 Reverse the decline in Dothan's traffic by stimulating new traffic and recapturing traffic lost to other 

airports

Target Airline Support

During a meeting in June 2010 at the JumpStart conference, American Eagle expressed some interest in 

operating the proposed service from Dothan to Dallas/Ft. Worth, but American Eagle has a policy of not writing a 

letter of support for Small Community Air Service Development Grant proposals. American Eagle has indicated a 

minimum revenue guarantee will reduce its financial risk and may move Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth above other 

opportunities that do not offer a minimum revenue guarantee.
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

19

Local Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth Traffic and Revenue

The local Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth market has declined over the past ten years as the average fare increased 

(Exhibit 11). In the year-end first quarter 2010, the market produced 2.8 PDEW at an average fare of $307 each 

way. 

Exhibit 11: Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth PDEW and Average Fare – Year-End First Quarter (DB1B data)

6.7

5.2 5.4

6.3

5.2

5.6

5.0

3.4

4.0

2.8

$181 $187

$199 $203 $207

$272

$339 $343 $344

$307

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Average Fare PDEW

DHN-DFW PDEW DHN-DFW Average One-Way Fare
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

20

Quarterly data, as illustrated in Exhibit 12, indicates the Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth market size continued to decline 

over each of the past four quarters to 2.2 PDEW in first quarter 2010 at an average fare of $338 each way.

Exhibit 12: Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth PDEW and Average Fare – Quarterly Data – First Quarter 2008 through First Quarter 

2010 (DB1B data)

3.8

4.9

4.3

3.1

3.7

3.3 3.2

2.6

2.2

$304

$354

$334

$323

$359

$315 $325

$250

$338

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

2008-Q1 2008-Q2 2008-Q3 2008-Q4 2009-Q1 2009-Q2 2009-Q3 2009-Q4 2010-Q1

Average Fare PDEW

DHN-DFW PDEW DHN-DFW Average One-Way Fare
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

21

While local Dothan – Dallas/Ft. Worth traffic is in the low single digits, nonstop service would likely stimulate the 

market. Analysis of markets American Eagle entered in the recent past indicates market sizes grew after 

American Eagle entered the market. Four of the markets American Eagle entered over the past three years from 

Dallas/Ft. Worth are Montgomery, Manhattan, Santa Fe and Roswell. While pre- and post-service market sizes 

vary among the markets from virtually no traffic in Santa Fe and Roswell to 1.6 PDEW in Manhattan and 10.7 

PDEW in Montgomery, the average pre-market size in these markets was 3.1 PDEW. The average post-service 

market size among these markets was 22.4 PDEW. The largest increase came in the Roswell market where 

traffic grew from virtually no traffic to 27.0 PDEW. While the Dothan market may behave differently, traffic growth 

in Montgomery, Manhattan, Santa Fe and Roswell is likely a strong indication the Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth market 

will also likely grow significantly if nonstop service is introduced.

Exhibit 13: Pre- and Post-Service Market Sizes in Recent New American Eagle Dallas/Ft. Worth Markets (DB1B Data)

While the Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth market size will likely increase with the introduction of nonstop service, the 

average fare will likely decline. Analysis of the same new American Eagle markets, Montgomery, Manhattan, 

Santa Fe and Roswell, indicate the average fare in the post-service period was $152. While it would be 

unreasonable to assume the average Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth fare would fall from its most recent level of $307 in 

the year-end first quarter 2010 or $338 in first quarter 2010 to $152, the average decline in Montgomery and 

Manhattan was 25%. A 25% decline in the year-end first quarter Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth fare would equate to a 

decline of $76, or a fare of $230. A decline of 25% in the first quarter 2010 Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth fare would 

result in a decline of $85, or a fare of $254. While the post-service fares are still relatively high, they would 

represent savings to Dothan travelers and are sufficiently high enough to make Dothan an exceptionally attractive 

opportunity for American Eagle.

Exhibit 14: Pre- and Post-Service Average Fares in Recent New American Eagle Dallas/Ft. Worth Markets (DB1B Data)

Market Start Date Pre-Service Period Post-Service Period

Pre-Service 

PDEW

Post-Service 

PDEW

PDEW 

Change

% PDEW 

Change

Montgomery 2Q 2009 3Q 2008 - 1Q 2008 3Q 2009 - 1Q 2010 10.7 26.2 15.5 144%

Manhattan 3Q 2009 4Q 2008 - 1Q 2009 4Q 2009 - 1Q 2010 1.6 21.0 19.3 1193%

Santa Fe 2Q 2009 3Q 2008 - 1Q 2008 3Q 2009 - 1Q 2010 0.0 15.5 15.5 N/A

Roswell 3Q 2007 4Q 2006 - 2Q 2007 4Q 2007 - 2Q 2008 0.0 27.0 27.0 N/A

Total 12.4 89.7 77.3 625%

Average Market 3.1 22.4 19.3 625%

Market Start Date Pre-Service Period Post-Service Period

Pre-Service 

Fare

Post-Service 

Fare

Fare 

Change

% Fare 

Change

Montgomery 2Q 2009 3Q 2008 - 1Q 2008 3Q 2009 - 1Q 2010 $181 $159 -$23 -13%

Manhattan 3Q 2009 4Q 2008 - 1Q 2009 4Q 2009 - 1Q 2010 $343 $144 -$199 -58%

Santa Fe 2Q 2009 3Q 2008 - 1Q 2008 3Q 2009 - 1Q 2010 $0 $102 N/A N/A

Roswell 3Q 2007 4Q 2006 - 2Q 2007 4Q 2007 - 2Q 2008 $0 $123 N/A N/A

Total (Excludes SAF and ROW) $203 $152 -$51 -25%
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

22

Similarities to the Columbus, Georgia-Dallas/Ft. Worth Market

American Eagle began service from Columbus, GA to Dallas/Ft. Worth on July 15, 2010. In the year-end first 

quarter 2010, the Columbus-Dallas/Ft. Worth market size was smaller than the Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth market 

size, and has trended below Dothan's market size since 2003 (Exhibit 15). 

Exhibit 15: Dothan and Columbus, GA-Dallas/Ft. Worth PDEW – Year-End First Quarter (DB1B Data)

6.7

5.2 5.4

6.3

5.2

5.6

5.0

3.4

4.0

2.8

6.8

5.2

5.4

3.7

3.2

2.5 2.6

2.8

2.6

2.4

0.0

1.0

2.0

3.0

4.0

5.0

6.0

7.0

8.0

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Passengers per Day Each Way

DHN-DFW PDEW CSG-DFW PDEW
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

23

Like the market size, Dothan's average Dallas/Ft. Worth fare is also more favorable than Columbus. Despite a

larger market size, Dothan's average fare has trended above the average Columbus fare (Exhibit 16). In the 

year-end first quarter 2010, the average Columbus-Dallas/Ft. Worth one-way fare was $256, while the average 

one-way Dothan-Dallas/Ft Worth one-way fare was $307. With a higher average fare and a larger market size, 

the data indicates there is more inherent demand in Dothan than Columbus, and the Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth 

market size would be stimulated even more than the Columbus market size. If American Eagle was therefore 

willing to enter the Columbus market with less historical traffic and a lower average fare, Dothan should have 

even more appeal for American Eagle.

Exhibit 16: Dothan and Columbus, GA – Dallas/Ft. Worth Average One-Way Fare – Year-End First Quarter (DB1B Data)

The overall Columbus domestic market size was 115 PDEW at an average fare of $344 in the year-end first 

quarter 2010 versus Dothan's average market size of 96 PDEW at an average fare of $351. In first quarter 2010, 

the Columbus domestic market size stood at 101 PDEW at an average fare of $365; the Dothan domestic market 

size stood at 88 PDEW at a much higher average fare of $398.

$181 $187

$199 $203 $207

$272

$339 $343 $344

$307

$148

$161 $157

$173

$191

$255

$225

$239 $239

$256

$0

$50

$100

$150

$200

$250

$300

$350

$400

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Average One-Way Fare

DHN-DFW Average One-Way Fare CSG-DFW Average One-Way Fare
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

Small Community Air Service Development Program Proposal – 2010 

24

Connecting Traffic and Revenue Via American's Dallas/Ft. Worth Hub

Service connecting Dothan to American's Dallas/Ft. Worth hub would connect Dothan with at least 77 markets 

American serves from Dallas/Ft. Worth, primarily in the Central and Western United States, but also to two 

markets in Asia and several markets in Mexico and two other markets in Central America. Many of the markets 

served by American and American Eagle from Dallas/Ft. Worth are the homes of large military bases (San Diego, 

San Antonio, Honolulu, Killeen and Manhattan) and would generate significant military traffic from Dothan. As 

illustrated in Exhibit 17, the largest markets American could flow via Dallas/Ft. Worth are Los Angeles, Dallas/Ft. 

Worth, Seattle, Houston and Kansas City. The 30 largest markets American could flow via Dallas/Ft. Worth 

generated 34 PDEW at an average fare of $393. Just as nonstop service would stimulate traffic in the local 

Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth market, traffic in flow markets American could serve via Dallas/Ft. Worth would also 

likely be stimulated. Since Delta has no competition in Dothan, the introduction of competition in the market by 

American would likely also reduce average fares in competitive markets. 

Exhibit 17: Non-Circuitous Markets American Could Serve with Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth Service (based on circuity not 

greater than 67%)
 

 

Dothan Regional Airport, Dothan, Alabama

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Exhibit 18: Annual O&D Passengers, PDEW and Average One-Way Fares in the 30 Largest Markets American Could Serve 

with Dothan – Dallas/Ft. Worth Service – Year-End First Quarter 2010 Data (DB1B data)

Rank Market

Annual O&D 

Passengers PDEW

Average 

One-Way Fare

1 LAX/SNA/ONT/BUR/LGB 2,180 3.0 $397

2 DFW/DAL 2,040 2.8 $307

3 SEA 1,850 2.5 $445

4 IAH/HOU 1,490 2.0 $349

5 MCI 1,480 2.0 $414

6 SFO/OAK/SJC 1,140 1.6 $322

7 LAS 1,120 1.5 $313

8 MSP 1,060 1.5 $337

9 SAT 1,050 1.4 $441

10 PHX/AZA 1,040 1.4 $393

11 GRK 1,030 1.4 $437

12 SLC 990 1.4 $310

13 SAN 880 1.2 $344

14 DEN 770 1.1 $338

15 OKC 760 1.0 $480

16 ELP 750 1.0 $511

17 HNL 670 0.9 $612

18 ABQ 610 0.8 $459

19 TUS 570 0.8 $492

20 SMF 520 0.7 $477

21 PDX 490 0.7 $439

22 COS 430 0.6 $381

23 LIT 400 0.5 $389

24 ICT 320 0.4 $249

25 TUL 310 0.4 $342

26 OMA 250 0.3 $358

27 AUS 240 0.3 $391

28 CRP 230 0.3 $546

29 RNO 200 0.3 $439

30 DSM 180 0.2 $240

30 Largest Markets 25,050 34.3 $393
 

 

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Proposed Schedule

Dothan Regional Airport proposes a two roundtrip schedule timed to capture flow traffic in markets north, south 

and west of Dallas/Ft. Worth with an early morning and a late afternoon departure from Dothan.

Exhibit 19: Proposed American Eagle Dothan-Dallas/Ft. Worth Schedules

Alternate Strategies

If American declined to serve the Dothan market, the Airport would like to offer the Small Community Air Service 

funding to either United Airlines in the form of a minimum revenue guarantee for Dothan-Washington Dulles 

service or to US Airways for Dothan-Charlotte service. Two roundtrips would be proposed in each market.

Dothan to Dallas/Ft. Worth (688 Miles)

Depart Arrive Block Aircraft

7:05AM 8:20AM 2:15 ERJ

4:10PM 5:25PM 2:15 ERJ

Dallas/Ft. Worth to Dothan (688 Miles)

Depart Arrive Block Aircraft

12:45PM 3:45PM 2:00 ERJ

6:40PM 9:35PM 1:55 ERJ
 

 

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PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING AND FUNDING

Public / Private Partnerships

Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce is a membership driven action agency designed to meet community and 

economic development needs. It is a voluntary non-profit organization comprised of 1,000+ area business, 

professionals and individuals who have banded together to advance the commercial, financial, civic, agricultural, 

industrial and general interests of the community. This organization operates under the direction of a 34-member 

board of directors that is elected by Chamber members. The Board, serving without pay, sets the policies of the 

Chamber.

Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau actively promotes Dothan and the surrounding area, and its 

attractions to visitors and plays a pivotal role in the community's air service development efforts.
 

 

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Project Funding

Community and Airport cash and in-kind contributions totaling $476,000 will supplement the proposed Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant of $750,000 requested from the Department Transportation.

Four community organizations will contribute $240,000 in cash toward the minimum revenue guarantee. The

sources and the amounts of each contribution are:

1. City of Dothan – $100,000

2. Houston County – $40,000

3. Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce – $50,000

4. Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau – $50,000

In addition to the community funding, the Airport will contribute $18,000 in cash for marketing the new service, 

and the Airport will waive fees and charges in American Eagle's first year of service estimated to be worth 

$218,000. 

The total value of cash and in-kind contributions from the community and the Airport is valued at $476,000 or 39% 

of total project value (Exhibit 20).

Exhibit 20: Program Funding Summary 

Grant Cash In-Kind Total

Department of Transportation $750,000 $750,000

Community $240,000 $240,000

Airport $18,000 $218,000 $236,000

Total $750,000 $258,000 $218,000 $1,226,000
 

 

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Implementation Timeline

Our proposed implementation timeline for the project assumes the Department will award Small Community Grant 

Funding in December 2010. Once the award is announced, Dothan Regional Airport will begin discussions with 

American to begin service. Based on airline planning lead times and the need for advance bookings, we assume 

American would not be able to begin service until at least June 2011. The first two milestones on the Airport's 

timeline are to execute the grant agreement with the Department and the minimum revenue guarantee agreement 

with American. Once service is announced and schedules are published, the Airport would begin marketing the 

new route and working with American to monitor advance bookings. The Airport will continue its marketing 

program and continue to work with American to monitor the route once service begins. The Airport will submit 

grant status reports on a quarterly basis to the Department throughout the proposed two year term of the 

minimum revenue guarantee.

Exhibit 20: Proposed Project Timeline (assumes grant announcements in December 2010 and service launch in June 2011)

Start-Up Period and Sustainability of the Market

The Airport will aggressively market the new service to business and leisure travelers in the catchment area. A

benefit of beginning service in June 2011 is to capture the peak of traffic seasonality in the U.S. domestic and 

international air travel market. Beginning service in the summer will provide a strong start for the service and 

provide two-and-a-half to three months to build business traffic in the market before leisure traffic demand falls in 

mid-August to early September. Business travel will become more important for the success of the route as 

leisure travel declines in the Fall. The Airport expects the route to be self-sustaining within the first two years of 

service and will include Dallas/Ft. Worth as part of its on-going marketing and promotional campaigns of the 

airport.

Activity/Project Milestone Estimated Dates

SCASD Grant Award Announcement December 2010

Execute Grant Agreement with DOT January 2011

Negotiate Minimum Revenue Guarantee with Airline January 2011

Announce Service February 2011

Publish Schedule February 2011

Market New Route March-May 2011

Monitor Advance Bookings March-May 2011

Begin Service June 2011

Operate Service with MRG June 2011 - May 2013

Monitor Route Performance June 2011 - May 2013 and Beyond

Submit Grant Status Reports to DOT Quarterly 2Q 2011 - 2Q 2013
 

 

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PROJECT MONITORING AND FINANCIAL CONTROL

Success Metrics

The success of the program will be based on achieving the objectives of the program. The Airport will 

continuously monitor the performance of the route. Even before service begins we will communicate with 

American on a weekly basis to monitor advance bookings and week-over-week of advance bookings. Marketing 

and promotional activities can be adjusted if advance bookings are weak or are not booking at a rate comparable 

to other American Dallas/Ft. Worth markets.

Project Goals Success Metric

 Lower fares to both military and non-military 

travelers in Dothan by introducing a competitor

 Lower quarterly year-over-year fares in the 

markets American serves via Dallas/Ft. Worth

(including fares in the local Dallas/Ft. Worth

market)

 Reverse the decline in Dothan's traffic by 

stimulating new traffic and recapturing traffic lost 

to other airports

 Increased quarterly year-over-year origin and 

destination traffic 

Once service begins, the Airport will rely on traffic and revenue data provided directly by the airline and the 

amount of reimbursements requested by the airline as indications of project success. T-100 data and DB1B data 

will also be analyzed to compare year-over-year market size growth on a quarterly basis. In addition, the airport 

will analyze leakage once the service has operated for a full year to determine the trend in leakage to other 

airports. The Airport will report its success metrics in the quarterly grant reports to the Department. 

Legal Sponsor

Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority is the legal sponsor responsible for administering the program. DothanHouston County Airport Authority is a government entity.

Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority

800 Airport Drive, Suite 15

Dothan, AL 36303

Art Morris, Airport Director

334-983-8101

Financial Controls

As the sponsor, Dothan-Houston County Airport Authority and its governing body, Dothan Airport Commission, 

will be the responsible parties for all fiscal matters and the Department's reporting requirements. The 

Commission is established as a public governing body. As a public entity, the Department can be assured that 
 

 

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proper financial controls are in place to guarantee that the Department’s Grant will be used in accordance with 

any subsequent agreement. The Dothan Airport Commission understands that the grant is a reimbursable grant, 

meaning the Commission is responsible for program expenditures and will submit invoices to the Department for 

reimbursement, based on a percentage of the total grant request.

Expiration of Grant Funding Prior to Self Sustainability

Although data and our analysis of the data indicates the Dothan market could support the proposed American 

Eagle service to Dallas/Ft. Worth, the Authority would pursue stopgap measures in an effort to ensure continued 

community funding remains available in the event the proposed service is not as successful as anticipated. After 

service begins, the Authority will provide monthly service updates to civic entities to keep them abreast of 

American Eagle's success in the market. 
 

 

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APPENDIX A: REQUIRED SUMMARY INFORMATION

A. Applicant Information

 Not a Consortium

 Interstate Consortium

 Intrastate Consortium

 Community now receives EAS subsidy

 Community (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Grant

If previous recipient:

Date of Grant: October 19, 2003

Expiration Date of Grant: October 19, 2005

B. Public/Private Partnerships

Public

 Dothan Regional Airport Commission

 City of Dothan

 Houston County

Private

 Dothan Area Chamber of Commerce

 Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

C. Project Proposal 

 Marketing Upgrade Aircraft New Route

 Personnel Increase Frequency Low Fare Service

 Travel Bank Service Restoration Subsidy

 Surface Transportation Regional Service Other (specify)

 Revenue Guarantee Launch New Service

 Start-Up Cost Offset First Service

 Study Secure Additional Carrier

D. Existing Landing Aids at Local Airport

 Full ILS Outer/Middle Marker Published Instrument 

Approach

 Localizer Other (specify)
 

 

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E. Project Cost

F. Enplanements

2000 69,641 2004 67,301 2008 48,760

2001 54,960 2005 67,075 2009 42,955

2002 57,801 2006 56,519

2003 60,190 2007 48,084

G. Is this application subject to review by state under Executive Order 

12372 Process?

 a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review 

on (date):

 b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the State for review.

 c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372

H. Is this applicant delinquent on any federal debt?

 No

 Yes (explain)

Funding Source Amount Description

1 Federal amount requested: $750,000

2 State cash financial contribution: $0

3 Local cash financial contribution: $258,000

3a Airport cash funds: $18,000 Airport marketing funds

3b Non-airport cash funds: $240,000

3c Total local cash funds (3a + 3b): $258,000

4 TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1 + 2 + 3c): $1,008,000

5 Local funds contributed from already-existing 

programs or projects included in line 3c amount:

$18,000

6 Local funds contributed from new commitments or 

new resources included in line 3c amount:

$258,000

7 Airport in-kind contribution (amount and description)

8 Other in-kind contribution (amount and description) $218,000 Airport new carrier waived fees and charges

9 TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION (7 + 8): $218,000

10 TOTAL PROJECT COST (4 + 9): $1,226,000
 

 

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APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY BACKGROUND

Dothan and Southeastern Alabama Economic and Community Information

Southeastern Alabama’s Economy

Located in Southeastern Alabama, the combined Dothan and Enterprise MSA is approximately twenty miles west 

of the Georgia state line and eighteen miles north of the Florida state line. The city is the seat of Houston County, 

with portions extending into nearby Dale County and Henry County. The population of the combined Dothan and 

Enterprise MSAs is 237,006 based on the 2008 U.S. Census Bureau estimate, and the Dothan MSA is the fifth 

largest MSA in Alabama behind Birmingham, Mobile, Huntsville and Montgomery and ahead of Tuscaloosa. 

Major attributes of the communities include a strategic location, easy access via highways serving the region, a 

mild winter climate, strong work ethic, trained work force, a sound and diversified economy, first-rate educational 

institutions and a pro-business tax structure.

Exhibit 21: Southeastern Alabama Area Map
 

 

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Dothan’s economy is well-diversified, with manufacturing comprising 17%, trade 17%, health care and social 

services 15%, educational services 9%, and public administration at 8%, rounding-out the top two-thirds of 

industry groups. Dothan's economy includes agriculture, aerospace, distribution, retail and advanced technology, 

with Sony, General Electric, Michelin, Dunbarton, Barrington Seafood, Qualico Steel, Pemco World Air Services 

and several other companies represented. According to Dothan's 2008 Annual Financial Report, the 2008 fiscal 

year saw 250 new jobs and $50,000,000 in capital investment brought to the city. Although peanut production 

remains a mainstay of the agricultural sector, cotton is gaining in importance. Tomato production is locally 

significant as well, especially in the nearby town of Slocomb, which styles itself "the Tomato Capital of the World".

There are 15 employers in the area with at least 300 employees. The largest area employer is Fort Rucker 

(Exhibit 22).

Exhibit 22: Largest Employers in the Dothan Area

Employer Industry Area Employees

1 Ft. Rucker U.S. Army Base 6,370

2 Shaw Industries Manufacturing 1,900

3 Equity Group Eufaula Division LLC Food Packaging 1,500

4 Pilgrim’s Pride Food Processing 1,200

5 Perdue Farms Inc. Food Processing 1,150

6 Southern Nuclear (Farley) Electric Utility 860

7 AirTek Manufacturing 670

8 Wayne Farms Food Processing 650

9 Pemco World Air Services Aircraft Maintenance 600

10 HB&G Building Products, Inc. Manufacturing 600

11 Michelin North America Inc. Manufacturing 542

12 Cooper Lighting Inc. Manufacturing 475

13 Sikorsky Support Services Inc. Military Contractor 470

14 American Buildings Company Manufacturing 450

15 McLane Company Grocery Distribution 350

17,787
 

 

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Median Income

Dothan’s median family income ranks as the second highest among MSAs in Alabama and the MSAs surrounding 

the Airport’s catchment area. Dothan’s median household income is $57,906, and Dothan’s low cost of living, 

relative to the U.S. average cost of living, translates the median family income into $71,050 of purchasing power

(Exhibit 23).

Exhibit 23: Median Family Income and Purchasing Power of Alabama MSAs and MSAs Surrounding Dothan Regional 

Airport’s Catchment Area (CNN Money 2008 Best Places to Live Report)

Rank MSA

Median Family 

Income Purchasing Power

1 Huntsville $69,000 $84,559

2 Dothan $57,906 $71,050

3 Tallahassee $57,705 $61,519

4 Montgomery $54,260 $70,103

5 Tuscaloosa $53,968 $64,943

6 Pensacola $51,997 $63,411

7 Panama City $48,959 $56,731

8 Mobile $48,606 $61,997

9 Fort Walton Beach $45,791 $54,493

10 Columbus $41,244 $55,511

11 Birmingham $40,212 $50,140

12 Albany $39,187 $52,742
 

 

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Regional Center of Commerce

Dothan serves as a center of commerce for Southeastern Alabama and Southwestern Georgia. This is illustrated 

in Dothan’s retail sales per capita versus other MSAs surrounding Dothan’s catchment area and other MSAs in 

Alabama (Exhibit 24). Residents in the region come to Dothan and Enterprise to spend money just as they would 

use Dothan Regional Airport if more capacity and competitive air fares were available. Dothan’s retail sales per 

capita is higher than virtually all MSAs in the region, with the exception of Fort Walton Beach, and Fort Walton’s 

retail sales per capita is boosted by coastal vacation spending. Panama City’s retail sales per capita is also 

boosted by coastal vacation spending.

Exhibit 24: Retail Sales per Capita of the Largest MSAs in the Dothan Region

Fort Rucker

Fort Rucker is a U.S. Army base located near Dothan. It is the primary flight training base for Army Aviation and 

is home to the United States Army Aviation Center of Excellence (USAACE) and the United States Army Aviation 

Museum. Operational units on the post include the 1st Aviation Brigade and the 110th Aviation Brigade handling 

Army Aviation training, and the USAF 23d Flying Training Squadron for the training of Air Force helicopter pilots.

The US Army Aviation Center of Excellence is the dominant military facility at Fort Rucker. Training, doctrine, and 

testing are all key parts of the Center's mission to develop Army Aviation's capabilities. All Army Aviation training 

has been undertaken at Fort Rucker since 1973, as well as training of US Air Force and ally helicopter pilots. The 

Center is home to the US Army Aviation Technical Test Center (ATTC), which conducts developmental aircraft 

testing for Army Aviation. The United States Army Operational Test and Evaluation Command's Test and 

Rank MSA

Retail Sales per 

Capita

1 Fort Walton Beach $14,136

2 Dothan $12,919

3 Panama City $12,255

4 Birmingham $11,617

5 Huntsville $10,838

6 Tuscaloosa $10,215

7 Mobile $10,207

8 Montgomery $10,091

9 Pensacola $9,704

10 Columbus $9,559

11 Tallahassee $9,528

12 Albany $9,104
 

 

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Evaluation Coordination Office and TH-67 primary and instrument training are both located at Cairns Army 

Airfield.

The 110th Aviation Brigade consists of five battalions using three different sites. 1st Battalion, 11th Aviation 

Regiment, operates and manages air traffic control services and flight simulation support for USAAVNC/Fort 

Rucker and the National Airspace System. 1st Battalion, 14th Aviation Regiment operates from Hanchey Army 

Heliport and conducts graduate level training using the AH-64D Apache Longbow and OH-58D Kiowa helicopters. 

1st Battalion, 212th Aviation Regiment operates from Lowe Army Heliport and conducts combat and night 

operational training, using the OH-58, UH-1, and UH-60 helicopters. 1st Battalion, 223d Aviation Regiment 

operates from Cairns Army Airfield and Knox Army Heliport and conducts flight training using the CH-47 Chinook 

helicopter and C-12 Huron aircraft. The Helicopter School Battalion operates from Lowe Army Heliport and, 

providing training for Latin American pilots under the United States Security Cooperation Program.

Additionally, due to the large number of Warrant Officers stationed there, the Warrant Officer Career Center and 

the Warrant Officer Candidate School are located at Fort Rucker.

Support and other facilities at Fort Rucker include the Lyster Army Health Clinic, United States Army Aeromedical 

Research Lab, United States Army School of Aviation Medicine, and Army Aviation Museum.

The Arts

Built in 1915, the Dothan Opera House represents the elegance of turn-of-the-century southern life. Theatre 

performances, spectacular concerts, symphonies, ballet performances, and many other cultural events are 

regularly held in this landmark. Tours are available upon request. The Dothan Civic Center was constructed in 

1975, and features 10,800 square feet of exhibit space, seating for 3,100, basketball floor, concession stands, 

conference rooms and other amenities. Dothan Area Botanical Gardens offer a paved nature trail and rose and 

herb gardens, as well as a demonstration garden.

National Peanut Festival

The National Peanut Festival is the largest peanut festival in the United States and is held each fall in Dothan, 

Alabama, to honor peanut growers and to celebrate the harvest season. The festivities include games and 

amusement rides on a large midway, animal acts, agricultural displays, an outdoor amphitheater with live music 

concerts by national recording artists, beauty pageants, arts and crafts displays, contests, food and a two-hour 

parade. The National Peanut festival also sponsors and holds field crop exhibits with prizes awarded to each 

exhibitor.
 

 

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Museums

The United States Army Aviation Museum is an aviation museum located on Fort Rucker near Dothan. It has the 

largest collection of helicopters held by any museum in the world. The museum features some 50 aircraft on 

public display with aviation artifacts ranging from a replica of the Wright brothers' Model B military biplane to an 

AH-64 Apache from Operation Desert Storm. The museum has over 160 aircraft in its collection and holds 3,000 

historical items.

Dothan also has other museums. The Wiregrass Museum of Art includes five galleries feature changing 

exhibitions of visual and decorative arts in the historic building. Also features ARTventures, a hands-on exhibit for 

children. The Landmark Park Agricultural Museum is the official agriculture museum of the State of Alabama. It 

includes a 1900s farmstead with farmhouse, outhouses and farm animals. The George Washington Carver 

Museum relates the story of the African-American inventor who invented over 500 different products from peanuts 

and other plants native to the South. Aside from offering exhibits about Carver himself, this museum also offers 

information on African cultures and their influences on the world, prominent African-American scientists, explorers 

and inventors, and the positive contributions made by African-Americans in military affairs and the area of social 

development.

Sports and Recreation 

The Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail offers a collection of 468 holes of championship golf on 11 different sites across 

Alabama. Highland Oaks, the course located in Dothan, offers a 36-hole complex featuring some of the longest 

and most classically designed holes on the trail. Highland Oaks Golf Course is part of Alabama's Robert Trent 

Jones Golf Trail, and was proclaimed by Golf Digest as the seventh-best public course in the US. The 36-hole 

facility offers three championship 9-hole courses, plus a 9-hole Par 3 course. Westgate Park and Water World is 

a five-field complex hosting local, regional, state and national softball tournaments. It is adjacent to Water World, 

Westgate Recreational Complex and the BMX Track. The Water World includes ocean-sized waves in the giant 

wave pool and twisting 400-foot (120 m) water slides. This 45,000 acre lake is located on the Chattahoochee 

River between Alabama and Georgia. The area surrounding the lake is rich with historic sites and towns. The lake 

itself is nationally known for its bass fishing.
 

 

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Higher Education

Dothan offers several options for higher education – large and small, public and private, 2 and 4 year schools. 

There is truly an opportunity for everyone.

Institutions of Higher Education in and Around Dothan

Troy University

Troy University’s Dothan Campus, located between the city of Dothan and 

Fort Rucker, is home to an outstanding faculty and staff that is dedicated 

primarily to serving the “nontraditional” adult learner. Here students can 

choose from more than 60 graduate and undergraduate degree options that 

are taught in day, evening and weekend classes, to accommodate busy 

adult learners with jobs and other commitments. 

One of Troy University’s proudest traditions is the long relationship they’ve shared with the U.S. military. Troy 

University has been serving those who serve for decades all around the world in Dothan.

Set on 275 picturesque acres, the Dothan Campus is large enough to provide top-notch programs and 

exceptional facilities close to where you live and work. Perhaps that’s why TROY was named the number one 

public university in Alabama by Forbes magazine in 2009 and has been a Princeton Review “Best in the 

Southeast” for five consecutive years.

School Public/Private Type Enrollment

Troy University Dothan Campus College Public Four Year 1,793

Baptist College of Florida Private Four Year 588

Wallace Community College Public Two Year 3,956

Enterprise-Ozark Community College Public Two Year 2,387

8,424
 

 

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APPENDIX C: LETTERS OF SUPPORT
 

 

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