Betty L. Bean 

Pelican, AK 99832 

Email: 

November 6, 2014 

Mr. Todd Homan, Director 

Office of Aviation Analysis 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Mr. Homan: 

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I wish to address the consideration being given by the US Department of Transportation to cut 

essential air service to Juneau, Alaska in favor of Sitka, Alaska for the small isolated 

communities of Tenakee Springs, Angoon and Pelican. Elfin Cove will also be affected by the 

chosen air service to Pelican. 

It's my understanding that governing statutes for the US Department of Transportation is that 

they consider four carrier-selection criteria; the criteria being service reliability, contractual and 

marketing arrangements with a larger carrier at the hub, interline arrangements with a larger 

carrier at the hub and community views. Alaska Seaplanes in Juneau meets all of these factors. 

Our communities are guaranteed scheduled air service under the 1978 Airline Regulation Act as 

provided by the US DOT Essential Air Service Program. Additionally, Determination 80-1-167 

stipulates that the communities of Tenakee Springs, Angoon and Pelican are entitled to essential 

air service to and from the Juneau regional air service hub. 

To grant Sitka-based Harris Air the essential air service would be a great inconvenience to our 

small communities in Northern Southeast Alaska. Alaska Seaplanes has provided us with safe 

and reliable service for 17 years and continually strives to make improvements in the services 

they're able to offer; marketing our businesses in and outside of Alaska for an example. They 

have a large fleet of aircraft so they are able to accommodate a heavy passenger base during the 

sunlffier months when visitors frequent our community. This is not only an income for our 

residents but an income for local businesses as well. People in Pelican depend on their sUlllffier 

income to make ends meet during the winter months. Sitka-based Harris Air, in my opinion, 

would not be able to provide us with the frequency of air service; hence, it would inconvenience 

travelers and cause delays in freight and mail delivery. Also, in consideration of the reduction in 

scheduled passenger and freight service, Harris Air's rates would most likely be substantially 

increased over those established by Alaska Seaplanes, making travel to Sitka cost prohibitive. 
Todd Homan -2- November 6, 2014 

I cannot speak for the communities of Tenakee Springs and Angoon, but the residents in Pelican 

depend on Juneau for most, if not all, of their medical needs, shopping and other personal and 

business matters. Sitka residents are also·known to shop in Juneau as the larger populace 

supports a broader shopping experience at less expense. Sitka has medical facilities but on a 

much lesser scale than Juneau. Again, Juneau is a much larger city and can support a larger scale 

of medical expertise. 

All things considered, substituting a Sitka hub for the longstanding Juneau air service hub would 

present an all-around hardship for Pelican, Tenakee Springs and Angoon. 

It is my hope that you will give our communities your uppermost consideration as you make the 

decision whether or not to designate Sitka or designate Juneau as the essential air service. 

Sincerely, 

~7/ff~49~ 

BettfL. Bean 

Cc: The Honorable Mark Begich 

United States Senate 

One Sealaska Plaza, Suite 308 

Juneau, AK 99801 

The Honorable Don Young 

U.S. House ofRepresentatives 

4241 B Street, Suite 203 

Anchorage, AK 99503 

The Honorable Lisa Murkowski 

United States Senate 

800 Glacier A venue, Suite 101 

Juneau, AK 99801