BILL NELSON 

FWRIDA 

The Honorable Ray laHood 

Department of Transportation 

~ltit.e.a ~ta:t.es ~.eltnt.e WASHINGTON. DC 20510-0905 . 

August 20, 2010 

1200 New Jersey A venue, Southeast 

Washington, District of Columbia 20590 

RE: Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD): The Northwest Florida 

Regional Airport 

Dear Secretary laHood: 

I am pleased to provide this letter in support of the Northwest Florida Regional Airport 

(VPS)'s efforts to obtain a federal grant. The goal of their proposed project is to recruit 

additional air carrier services and to diversify public transportation options. I respectfully request 

your consideration of this organization's application for federal funding. 

Quality transportation programs focusing on developing new markets for communities 

along the Gulf Coast are important to me as a U.S. Senator. If funded, this project will benefit 

over two million people in the area who have limited access to low-cost carrier airlines. 

Again, I encourage your consideration ofthis worthy cause. If! can be of further 

assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below. 

BN/ut 

CC: Ms. Lynn Bannister, Regional Director, U. S. Senator Bill Nelson 

United States Senator Bill Nelson, Landmark Tw'o. 225 East Robinson Street. Suite 410. Orlando. Florida 32801 

Telephone: (407) 872-7161 • Toll·Free in Florida Only (888) 671-4091 • Fax: (407) 872-7165 

http://bil!ne]son.senate.gov 
(-i[OR(J[ S. LI MIEUX 

United 5tates Senate 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20599 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

August 19,2010 

\ o;'.1;'.H:F .. ;~ ::;U;-:i\G:-

:Gil) i<-1I~,·;:,f'()Hl!\:ln~; 

It has come to my attention that the Northwest Florida Regional Airport located in Fort Walton 

Beach has recently applied for federal funding under the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program. 

Viable air transportation is important to the economic well being of a community and funds trom 

this grant would allow tlle Northwest Florida Regional Airport to recruit additional air carrier 

service and diversify its public tnmsportation options through a low-cost caITier that is proposing 

non-stop service to Denver, Colorado hub. 

Given the overall downturns in tourism, there is a significant strategic importance in developing 

new markcts for communities along the Gulf Coast, especially in communities that do not have a 

low-cost carrier. Therefore, I respectfully request that the Northwest Florida Regional Airport's 

application be given full and fair consideration. Thank you for your assistance in this important 

matter. 
JEFF MILLER 

1ST DISTRICT, FI.ORIDA 

COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON TEARORISM, 

UNCONVENilONAL THREATS AND CAPASIUTIES 

RANKING MEMBE_R 

SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE 

SUBCOMMITTEE ON 

OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS 

RANKING MI:MBJiilR 

(:ongtrfifi of tbr lltiftrb ~tatrfi 

J!)OU~t of l\tptt~tutatfbt~ 

.11!iUtngton, 1Drt 20515 

COMMITTEE ON VETERANS' AFFAIRS 

The Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary 

US Department of Transponation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

. Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-2010-0124 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

August 18, 2010 

( 

WASHINGTON OFFICE: 

2439 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING 

WASHINGTON, DC 20516 

{2021226-4136 

OISTRICT OFFICES: 

4300 BAYOU BOULEVARD 

SUITE 13 

PENSACOLA, FL 32503 

(850) 479-1183 

348 S.W, MIRACLE STRIP PARKWAY 

SUITE 24 

FORT WALTON BI!ACH, FL 32548 

(B50) 564-1268 

http://jeffmiller.house.gov 

Toll Free: 1-866-367-1614 

The Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) located in Fort Walton Beach has recently filed a ' 

proposal for a grant under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The airport 

is seeking funding assistance for the specific purpose of recruiting additional air carrier service 

and diversifying public transportation options through a low-cost carrier that is proposing nonstop service to its Denver, Colorado hUb, 

As you are aware, viable air transportation is critically important to the economic well being of a 

community. Given the tragic impact of Deepwater Horizon oil spill and overall downturns in 

tourism, there is a significant strategic importance in developing new markets for communities 

along the Gulf Coast, especially in communities that do not have a low-cost carrier. Northwest 

Florida Regional Airport is the most logical location for a distinctive new service and inclusion 

in the Sfnall Community Air Service Development Program would greatly benefit over 2 million 

people in the airport's potential catchment area. 

Thank you for considering Northwest Florida Regional Airport's application, Please do not 

hesitate to contact my office if I can provide any further information, 

With warm personal regards, I am 

Member of Congress I 

.' 

JMleg 

PAINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER 
" i ' 

September 23, 2010 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-2010-0124 

Frontier Airlines, Inc. 

Frontier Center One 

7001 Tower Road 

Denver, CO 80249 

Proposal of Northwest Florida Regional Airport for a Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant 

Dear Secretary LaHood, 

P 720.374.4200 

F 720.374.4375 

Frontier Airlines is pleased to support the application of Northwest Florida Regional Airport for a 

Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) grant aimed at attracting low-fare air 

service. 

While Frontier can provide no assurances regarding future service at Northwest Florida 

Regional Airport, the availability of SCASD grant funds would factor positively to our evaluation 

ofthe market. This is important given the challenges facing the U.S. domestic airline resulting 

from costs associated with new market development, the perpetual uncertainty surrounding oil 

prices, and the risks associated with public perception of Gulf Coast markets given the recent 

BP oil spill. 

For these reasons, Frontier Airlines supports the SCASD grant application of Northwest Florida 

Regional Airport and ask that you give it favorable consideration. Please feel free to contact me 

should you have any questions. 

Sincerely, _~.-7 .' /';;;/./ /._, /i~//t.yPl~~=----

/Robert Westgate . 

Sr. Director, Planning & Scheduling 

cc: Aloha Ley 

Associate Director, Small Community Air Service Development Program 

frontierairlines.com 
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE 

HEADQUARTERS 96TH AIR BASE WING (AFMC) 

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE FLORIDA 

Colonel Sal M. Nodjomian 

Commander, 96th Air Base Wing 

401 West Van Matre Ave, Suite 106 

Eglin AFB FL 32542 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Depaltment of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-2010-0124 

Dear Secretaty LaHood 

SEP 09 2010 

I would like to take this oppOitunity to provide information concerning the NOithwest Florida 

Regional AirpOit (VPS) located on Eglin Air Force Base in Okaloosa County, Florida. The Northwest 

Florida Regional Airpoli has recently filed a proposal for a grant under the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program. The airport is seeking funding assistatlCe for the specific purpose of recruiting 

additional air carrier service and diversifying public transpOitation options through a low-cost can-ier. 

As you may be aware, NOithwest Florida Regional Airport's commercial air carriers are frequently 

utilized by Eglin Air Force Base to provide transportation for official travel, including deployments and 

temporary duty assignments. Fmthermore, our service men and women utilize the NOIihwest Florida 

Regional Airport for personal travel to connect with family and friends all over the nation. The proposed 

additional commercial air carrier service would not negatively impact militalY flight operations conducted 

on our installation. Instead, Eglin Air Force Base and the local community synergistically benefit by the 

additional commercial air carrier service as it increases travel options and reduces costs for both personal 

and business travel. 

However, this letter should not be viewed as an endorsement ofNOlthwest Florida Regional 

AirpOlt's application for a grant as the Air Force must remain neutral on the qnestion of which 

organizations should be awarded federal grant assistance. Nevertheless, I am pleased to provide the 

above factual irrformation abont the Air Force's use ofthe Northwest Florida Regional AirpOit. 

~J~----~ . . NODJOMIAN, Colonel, USAF 
Florida House of Representatives 

Representative Greg Evers 

5224 WILLING St. 

Milton, Florida 32570-4960 

(850) 983-5550 

August 27, 2010 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-20l0-0l24 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

District One 

402 South Monroe Street 

212 The Capitol 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300 

(850) 488-8188 

It is my privilege to offer this letter of support on behalf of the Northwest Florida Regional 

Airport (VPS) in their pursuit of grant funding to recruit a low-cost air carrier service. 

The Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is seeking a grant and inclusion in the Small 

Community Air Service Development Program to help with the recruitment of an additional air 

carrier service and to assist them in diversifying public transportation options through a low-cost 

carrier that is proposing non-stop service to its Denver, Colorado hub. 

Given our current economic conditions, it is extremely important that viable air transportation be 

available to citizens in our area. As local businesses seek new methods to increase productivity, 

our markets desperately need a low-cost carrier. Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) is an 

excellent choice for this new service and would benefit over 2 million customers in the region. 

If any more information is needed, please feel free to contact me personally at (850) 240-0646. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Greg Evers 

State Representative 

District 1 
Florida House of Representatives 

Representative Marti Coley 

Reply to: 

o 3094 Indian Circle 

Room 186 

Marianna, Florida 32446 

(850) 718-0047 Fax (850) 718-0062 

o 319 Capitol 

402 South Monroe Street 

Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1300 

(850) 488-2873 Fax (850) 922-7755 

o 5230 West Highway 98 

Administration Room 203 

Panama City, Florida 32401 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-2010-0124 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

District 7 

*Chair, Joint Administrative Procedures Committee 

*Vice Chair, Education Policy Council 

*PreK-12 Appropriations Committee 

*PreK-12 Education Policy Committee 

*Selcct Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review 

Marti.Colcy@myfloridahouse.gov 

The Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) located in Fort Walton Beach has recently filed a proposal for a grant 

under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The airport is seeking funding assistance for the 

specific purpose of recruiting additional air carrier service and diversifying public transportation options through a 

low-cost carrier that is proposing non-stop service to its Denver, Colorado} hub. 

As you are aware, viable air transportation is critically important to the economic well being of a community. Given 

the tragic impact of Deepwater Horizon oil spill and overall downturns in tourism, there is a significant strategic 

importance in developing new markets for communities along the Gulf Coast, especially in communities that do 

not have a low-cost carrier. Northwest Florida Regional Airport is the most logical location for a distinctive new 

service and inclusion in the Small Community Air Service Development Program would greatly benefit over two 

million people in the airport's potential market. 

Thank you for considering Northwest Florida Regional Airport's application. 

Sincerely, 
August 20, 2010 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-2010-0124 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

Office of the Vice Provost 

UWF Emerald Coast 

1170 Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard 

Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547 

The Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) located in Fort Walton Beach has recently 

filed a proposal for a grant under the Small Community Air Service Development 

Program. The airport is seeking funding assistance for the specific purpose of recruiting 

additional air carrier service and diversifying public transportation options through a 

low-cost carrier that is proposing non-stop service to its Denver, Colorado hub. 

As you are aware, viable air transportation is critically important to the economic well 

being of a community. Given the tragic impact of Deepwater Horizon oil spill and overall 

downturns in tourism, there is a significant strategic importance in developing new 

markets for communities along the Gulf Coast, especially in communities that do not 

have a low-cost carrier. Northwest Florida Regional Airport is the most logical location 

for a distinctive new service and inclusion in the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program would greatly benefit over 2 million people in the airport's 

potential catchment area. 

Thank you for considering Northwest Florida Regional Airport's application. 

lce~'a~' 

'/1 . hn ; ;z:jjto 

i ,XIice Provost and Dean 

1/ UWF Emerald Coast 

cc: Mike Stenson, Business Development Manager - Northwest Florida Regional Airport 

Larry Sassano, President, Economic Development Council 

Phone 850.863.0740 Fa>; 850.863.6563 

Web uwf.edu/EmeraldCoast 

Nt Equal Opportunity/Equal Access In'tl!u~on 
August 18, 2010 

Honorable Raymond LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket OST-2010-0124 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

-

• -

Economic Development Council 

0/ Oka'o~a Count); Flonda 

The Northwest Florida Regional Airport (VPS) located in Fort Walton Beach has recently filed a proposal for 

a grant under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. The airport is seeking funding 

assistance for the specific purpose of recruiting additional air carrier service and diversifying public 

transportation options through a low-cost carrier that is proposing non-stop service to its Denver, Colorado 

hub. 

As you are aware, viable air transportation is critically important to the economic well being of a community. 

Given the tragic impact of Deepwater Horizon oil spill and overall downturns in tourism, there is a significant 

strategic importance in developing new markets for communities along the Gulf Coast, especially in 

communities that do not have a low-cost carrier. Northwest Florida Regional Airport is the most logical 

location for a distinctive new service and inclusion in the Small Community Air Service Development 

Program would greatly benefit over 2 million people in the airport's potential catchments area. 

Thank you for considering Northwest Florida Regional Airport's application. 

~~12---r Larry Sassano, President 

Economic Development Council serving Okaloosa County 

larrvs@florida-edc.org 

850-362-6467 

cc: Mike Stenson, Business Development Manager - Northwest Florida Regional Airport 

po. Box 4097, Fort W0ltoll Beach, FL 32549 

(850) 651-7374 (800) 995-7374 tollfree (850) 651-7378 fax www.florida-edc.org 
District Office: 

1188 Eglin Parkway 

Shalirna~FL.32579 

(850) 833-9328 

(850) 833-9342 (fax) 

September 15, 2010 

Florida House of Representatives 

Representative Matt Gaetz 

District 4 

Email: Matt.Gaetz@myfIoridahouse.gov 

NWFL Regional Airport 

Mike Stenson 

1701 State Road 85 N 

Eglin AFB FL 32542 

Dear Mr. Stenson: 

Tallahassee Office: 

1102 The Capitol 

402 South Monroe Street 

Tallahassee, FL 32399 

(850) 488-1170 

I am writing in support of North west Florida Regional Airport (VPS) receiving the Small Community Air Service 

Development (SCASD) grant through the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

It is my belief that the $500,000 in risk abatement funding and marketing dollars will provide Northwest Florida Regional 

Airport the resources to attract service from additional airline carriers while assuring these carriers that their investment to 

our smaller community will be backed. 

This grant is a tremendous opportunity for Northwest Florida Regional Airport to increase sustainable air services to our 

residents and hundreds of thou sands oftouristthat come to Northwest Florida annually. 

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at the numbers listed above. 

Respectfully, 

Matt Gaetz, 

State Representative 

District 4 

Committees: 

Military & Local Affairs 

Government Operations Appropriations 

Health Care Regulation Policy