THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION 

WASHINGTON DC 20590 

The Honorable Glenn Thompson 

U.S. House of Representatives 

Washington, DC 20515 

Dear Congressman Thompson: 

July 17, 2012 

Thank you for your letter supporting the proposal submitted by the Williamsport Regional 

Airport for a grant under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service 

Development Program. 

The Small Community Air Service Development Program was established to help smaller 

communities address air service deficiencies, particularly iss~es related to high airfares or 

insufficient service. Under the statute, the Department may make a maximum of 40 grant 

awards each year, although no more than 4 awards may be to communities in the same State. 

In order to provide communities with latitude in developing solutions to their air service 

deficiencies, the statute provides flexibility in the types of projects that can be funded. 

On May 15, the Depru1ment issued an order requesting that communities interested in receiving a 

grant this year file their applications by June 11. As these grant requests are pending before the 

Department, I cannot comment on the merits of any particular proposal. I assure you that the 

Department will give fu1l and fair consideration to all proposals that have been properly filed. 

of your letter and this res pons · Docket 

record of this matter. I ap · · ci e your interest in 

this program. 
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The Honorable Ray LaHood 

Secretary of Transportation 

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June 18, 2012 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

400 ih Street, S.W. 

Washington DC 20590 

Dear SecretarylaHood, 

Re: Small Communitv Air Service Develogment Grant 

Docket DOT~2012-0069 

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With great pleasure I extend my enthusiastic support to the Williamsport Regional Airport in Williamsport, 

Pennsylvania, for the airport's application to secure a Small Community Air Service· Development Grant. 

Since 2008 the City of Williamsport has become the hub of Pennsylvania's burgeoning Marcellus natural gas 

extraction industry. More than 100 energy companies operate; in the region along with thousands of individuals, 

and their families, who now work at solid well-paying jobs associated with the gas industry. 

Affordable and quality local air service is essential to Williamsport's ability to support the rapid Marcellus gas 

business expansion. I was amazed to learn that Williamsport has lost just about half its air service capacity since 

2004. Also, Williamsport has had, with rare exception, the highest airfares In Pennsylvania for the past several 

years. Yet despite the declining service and increasing air fares, Williamsport traffic is increasing, up 27% in just 

the past two years. 

I have been told the airport's SCASD grant request for $500,000 has wide community support. Area economic 

development agencies and foundations have matched and surpassed the grant request amount by pledging 

$550,000 to assist the Williamsport Regional Airport in recruiting new air service. 

Once more I stress my support for the airport, the community and the larger region in general in this endeavor. I 

request that you give all due consideration to this application. If you have further questions please contact me at 

anytime. 

GT/mg 

Sincerely, ~ ,. 

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Glenn "GT" Thompson 

Member of Congress 

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