LAW OFFICES OF 

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## DoUGLAS,KELLY, 0STDIEK and 

# OssiAN PHILIP M. KELLY JERALD L. OSTDIEK JASON A. OSSIAN DAVID P. BRODERICK* AMANDA M. VOGL *Also licensed in Colorado Email: jostdiek@scottsblufflaw.com a professional corporation

RICHARD A. DOUGLAS (1945-20 12)

June 11, 2014


### ViaEmail: Kevin.Schlemmer@dot.gov Kevin Schlemmer, Chief Essential Air Service and DomesticAnalysis Division Office ofAviation Analysis Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue, SE Room W86-309 Washington, D.C. 20590 RE: WesternNebraska Regional Airport Dear Mr. Schlemmer: I05 East 16th Street P.O. Box 419 Scottsbluff, Ncbrnska 69363-0419 Telephone: (308) 632-7191



# .......... 248 Main Street Crawford, Nebraska 69339 Telephone: (308) 665-1169 Fax: <;3Q8) 635-1387 ;:·**··.~:·**:;

This office represents Western Nebraska Regional Airport, Scotts Bluff County, Nebraska. I am writing this letter with regards to the Department of Transportation's determination of mileage for essential air service regarding Western Nebraska Regional Airport's mileage to the nearest hub. It is my understanding that the Department of Transportation has determined the mileage from the city of Scottsbluffto Denver International Airport is less than 210 miles. It is further my understanding that this determination may be basedupon utilizing the rural route, taking Hwy. 71 South out ofKimball, Nebraskathrough Fort Morgan, Colorado, and then .I-76 from Fort Morgan to DIA. Western Nebraska Regional Airport respectfully requests the Secretary to reviewthis determination. Western Nebraska Regional Airport requests the Department to utilize the route which includes taking Interstate 80 from Kimball to Cheyenne, Wyoming, and then I-25 South to Denver, Colorado. Thereason for this request is thattheroute through Cheyenne, Wyoming is the most commonlyused and safestroute between the hub and community. The Fort Morgan route involves over 70 miles oftwo lane, poorly maintained highway with a portion ofthat road having no shoulder. Signage along this route clearly indicates that during the winter months, snow plows will not run during the evening hours. There is no cell phone service for large areas ofthis route, and no gas stations for approximately 70 miles ofthis route. J;,Kevin Schlemmer, Chief Essential Air Service and Domestic Analysis Division Office ofAviation Analysis Department ofTransportation June 11, 2014 Page 2

In contrast, the route through Cheyenne, Wyoming is a four lane major interstate, well maintained with continuous cell phone service, along with numerous gas· stations and other services along the way. The speed limit on the Cheyenne route is 75 mph, as opposed to 60 mph for a substantial portionofthe FortMorgan route. The FortMorganroute is clearly not the most commonly used or safest route betweenthe hub and community. I estimate that less than 5% ofindividuals traveling from Scottsbluffto Denver would use the FortMorganroute. · Western NebraskaRegional Airport respectfully requests the Departmentto designate the route via Cheyenne, Wyoming, which totals greater than 210 miles as the designated route between the community ofScottsbluff, Nebraska and Denver International Airport.

JLO:rlg

cc: Darwin Skelton, Airport Manager Sincerely, DOUGLAS, KELLY, OSTDIEK and OSSIAN a p ofessional corporation