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1873 Shell Simmons Drive. Ste. 200,Juneau, Alaska 99801 · (907)789-782. FAX: (907)789-1227 

Mr. Todd Homan 

Director, Office of Aviation Analysis 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Mr. Homan: 

November 17, 2014 

Juneau International Airport has recently learned that the Department of Transportation is considering 

cutting Essential Air Service (EAS) between certain Southeast Alaska communities and Juneau. On behalf 

of the Juneau International Airport, Airport Board, we object to this decision and urge the Secretary of 

Transportation to maintain this vital service to our outlying Southeast Alaska communities and Juneau. 

Juneau and the majority of the outlying southeast rural communities are only accessible by water or air. 

As such} the Small Community Air Service provision of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978 designated 

those communities across the nation, specifically, Alaska, which were listed as EAS communities. This list 

names approximately 19 communities in Southeast Alaska. The EAS list was updated in November 20131 

with no change to Alaska (see original list from 1978 http://www.dot.gov/policy/aviation-policy/smallcom mu nity-ru ra 1-a i r-service/ essentia 1-ai r-service ). 

After the 1978 Act was signed into Law, the Civil Aeronautics Board was tasked to determine eligible 

hubs for the EAS communities within a set timeframe. In 1980 Juneau was officially designated as the 

hub for these Southeast communities (see CAB Determination 80-1-167) and established minimum 

levels of EAS from the communities in order to meet DOT Order 80-1-167 

(http://www.dot.gov/sites/dot.dev/files/docs/AK Determination 2012.pdf). The list also determines 

that Juneau is the Hub/Regional Point for EAS to/from Sitka. Sitka is only listed as a Regional Point for 

one community (Port Alexander). 

As you may already know} the communities of Angoon, Pelican and Tenakee Springs have already 

weighed in this issue} supporting Juneau as their (EAS} hub. (It is our understanding that Elfin Cove could 

also be impacted by this EAS change.) Arguments ranging from maintaining the current frequency of air 

service, to the need to come to Juneau for their medical and native corporation business. Additionally, 

the US Mail is sorted in Juneau for delivery to these communities} as well as groceries and staples 

shipped from Juneau to these communities. The Juneau-based Air Carriers serving these communities 

have purchased the aircraft equipment and secured the personnel to maintain the required minimum 

service outlined in the DOT Order. Service to/from these communities to Sitka does not meet the intent 

of the Law/ Act. Sitka is not a hub and is no substitution for the service to the Juneau hub. 
Todd Homan, Director 

Office of Aviation Analysis 

US DOT 

-Page 2-

A change to the Essential Air Service for these communities (whether suspending EAS service or 

changing EAS flights to Sitka) would disrupt the aviation balance and commerce that Juneau provides to 

these EAS communities. The communities do not want this, Juneau opposes this and local commerce 

would be negatively impacted. Please maintain the Essential Air Service between these Southeast Alaska 

communities and Juneau. 

Sincerely, 

~~ 

. C"-J {yj 

Jerry Godkin 

Chairman, Juneau International Airport Board 

Copy: Senator Lisa Murkowski, Alaska 

Senator Mark Begich, Alaska 

Congressman Don Young, Alaska 

Mayor Merrill Sanford, City and Borough of Juneau 

City Manager Kim Kiefer, City and Borough of Juneau