PATRICK T. McHENRY 

I.IEWIIER Of COH<HSS 

lOlli DISTRICT, NOI!1li CAJIOUNA 

224 CAHIKlH HOU:5E OffCE 6\IWI.NG 

WA$1!1HGTOH, IlC 20515 

(202) 225.15111 

FAX:(21!7)~16 

'"'"'- ~ 

COIIMTlret 

FINANCIAl SERVICES 

GOVERNMEHT REFORM 

June 8, 2012 

6>cmgrt1fs cfthe lltnited 0Statt1f 

c:::Jie;ustJ of CiJ?.epratJJ1/tdi~ 

CVf?tr:rlllil§lott. d;JJf3' 20S I S-33 I 0 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

400 7th Street, SW Room I 0200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Re: DOT-OST-2012-0069 Small Community Air Service Development Grant 

Dear Secretary LaHood, 

• : . t • • 

. : ~ rf c; ~ 

--: :~ .. ~ /-.T : CJ 

. . . . ; ~ ~~~~ ~ES: 

87 FOURTH SffiEET,rtN 

~ :: P.cr~~ .. ~ , _) ~*HC2~ (828) 32H 100 

Fa: (828) 327~11 

SPRUCe PINE TO'MI HAll 

SPRVCf PIHE. NC 'l!m 

(8211) 76S-2129 

FAX: (829) 16S-11UI 

3ft EAST MIIRlOH STREET 

SUITE lit 

SHElBY, NC 180SO (104j48J.05711 

fAX: (704)ol81.o757 

r am writing to express my support for the grant request submitted by Asheville Regional Airport for 

a Small Community Air Service Develop~nent Grant. In addition to addressing the problem of higher than 

average air fares, receipt of this grant would enable the Asheville Regional Airport to provide services in 

an area hit hard by substantial economic di_stress. Several counties in my district within the Asheville 

·Regiomil Airport's service region are exiting a decade where unemployment increased over 750%. These 

counties are working to recover from an unemployment rate nearly twice the national average, and the 

support provided by this grant will enhance economic stability for both business access and travel and 

tourism. 

In addition to the program merits, it is important to consider in reviewing this request that the 

Asheville Regional Airport has considerable support and cooperation from the local community and 

region. As my office has participated in regional meetings with representatives from local government, 

area business and tourism representatives, as well as economic development experts, it is evident that the 

airpmt is a critical link in the overoll economic health of the area .. 

I wholeheartedly support this application. If I may provide further assistance that would help 

Asheville Regional Airport receive this grant, please do not hesitate to contact my office. I am sure that 

your office will give Asheville Regional Airpott's application all proper consideration given current rules, 

regulations and statutes. Thank you for your consideration. 

Sincerely, 

!!::§2~ Member of Congress 

PTM/lrn 

510-120621-004 
~orl~ alar.olina: ~.en.eral~.emhlu 

· ~I.l'llile n£ ~.eserrln:tiUes 

~ute 2fi-e_sislnti~ l/iuilOinB 

~ul.ei£1}. ~(ll 27601-1096 

COMMITTEES: 

REPRESENTATIVE CHUCK MCGRADY APPROPRIATIOM:!I I 17TH OIBTfUCT APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITT&.It ON 

OPf'tca: Aoonr.ss: t 8 W. JONft8 STRIUtT, tlOOM 410 A 

RAI.fliGH, NC 2.7601-1096 TRAHBPORT ... TIOH 

ENVIRONMENTJ VtCit CHAIRMAN 

JUDICIAflY iCU. .. EPHOH&:: (9 19) 733·!59!56 

(0 I 9) 754•33 16 FAM 

EMAIL! ctluck.mcgrady@rlclag.net 

JUD1GIARY SU&COMMITTE.e: ON CIVIl. LAW 

TAANSPORTATtoN 

HOME AODAEAS: PO BOX 72.3 

HIEND£RSOHVILI.2., NC 28793 

T«LEPHOHE: (82.81 692.•3896 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transpor:tation 

400 7tn Street, sw Room 10200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

June 4, 2012 

I support the Asheville Regional Airport's Small Community Air Service Development Grant, which will 

allow for new and improved service in the western region of our state. This region is growing, and 

enhanced air service is imperative to the economic vitality of the area. Quality air service aids our 

P.conomy through improved access for visitors, tourism and is important to business growth and 

retention. 

The western region has a noted connection to the Denver market - both from a leisure and business 

travel perspective. While I know that 5% of inbound travelers come from Colorado, and many more 

from the west, I'm particularly aware of the connection because my daughter attended summer camp In 

Colorado, and flew that route eath'ye&r; Moreover, significant business development Is occurring by 

Colorado and western state-based businesses in the Western North Carolina region. Enhanced air 

service to and from Denver and western states is a positive fit for the direction of growth our region is 

experiencing. However, we have experienced the loss of low-cost air carrier AirTran in the past year, 

and as a result, have seen airfares begin to rise to levels much greater than our competltbrs are 

experiencing. 

510-120621-014 
The Asheville Regional Alrport has put together a two-fold plan to mitigate the rising air fares it Is 

experiencing due to the loss of AirTran Airways this year. First, the plan focuses on attracting another 

low-cost air service provider to serve the Denver market, and potentially additional markets lost when 

AirTran was acquired by Southwest. Second, the plan ensures that sufficient marketing will occur to 

support the new low-fare carrier's success In the WNC market, and includes a focus on strengthening 

the newly formed travel advisory group - a !=Onsortl!-lm of business leaders, economic developers and 

tourism representatives who meet quarterly to discuss air service needs, advocacy and utilization. 

I support of the Asheville Regional Airport's grant request. 

:L 

Rep. Chuck McGrady 

-. 

s 10-120621-014 
~nrt~ Olnrnlimt ®emrru ~emhl1J 

~ouse of ;!Jkpresentuti(t.es 

REPRESEN TATIVE PATSY KEEVER 

1 15TH DISTRICT 

0F"FfCE ADDRESS : i 317 l.EG SLATIV~ BVH .. OtNG 

16 W. JONES STR££ T 

RAL~ GH , NC 2760 1-1096 

TtLEPHONt : (919) 733· 6743 

(9 19 ) 754•3244 FAX 

EMA.IL : patsy.keever@ncleg.net 

DISTRICT: 9UNCOMBK COUNTY 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

400 7'h Street, SW Room I 0200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

June 4, 2012 

COMMITTEES: 

AGRICULTURE 

APPROPRIATIONS 

APPROPR IATIONS JUSl" ICit ANO PUBLIC S AF'ETY 

ENVI RONMENT 

GOV£RNMENT 

STATE PERSONN E L 

I am pleased to write in strong support of the AshevHie Regional Airport's Small Community Air Service 

Development Grant, which will allow for new and improved service in the western region of our state. Our region is 

growing, and enhanced air service is imperative to the economic vitality of the area. Quality air service aids our 

economy through improved access for visitors, tourism and is important to business growth and retention. 

The western region has a noted connection to the Denver market - both from a leisure and business travel 

perspective. We know that 5% of inbound travelers come from Colorado, and many more from the west. Also, 

signifiCant business development•is occurring by Colorado and western state-based businesses in the Western North 

Carolina region. Enhanced air service to and from Denver and western states is a positive fit for the direction of 

growth this region is experiencing. 

The Asheville Regional Airport has put together a two-fold plan to mitigate the rising air fares they are experiencing 

due to the loss of AlrTran Airways this year. The plan focuses on attracting another. low-cost air service provider to 

serve the Denver market, and potentially additional markets lost when AirTran was acquired by Southwest. Second, 

the plan ensures that sufficient marketing will occur to support the new low-fare carrier's success in the WNC 

market, and includes a focus on strengthening the newly formed travel advisory group. Thank you for your 

consideration of the Asheville Regional Airport's grant request. · 

Sincerely, 

0 kwJ Repres~e Patsy Keever 

NC House District II 5 - Buncombe County 

PUTTING PEOPLE FIRST 

510-120621-007 
REPRESENTATIVE SUSAN C. FISHER 

I 14TH OISTAICT 

!1ortq QJarolina ®emrnl J\ssemhllJ 

~ou.s.e of ~presetrluti&es 

c:§tme lfiegislmi&.e ~uflliing 

~u~isfl, ~(!I 2760l-lll96 

June 4, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

400 7th Street, SW Room I 0200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

I am pleased to write in strong support of the Asheville Regional Airport's Small Community Air Service Development 

Grant, which will allow for new and improved service in the western region of our state. Our region is growing, and 

enhanced air service is imperative to the economic vitality of the area. Quality air seFVice aids out· ec(momy through · 

improved access for visitors, tourism and is important to business growth and retention. 

The western region has a noted connection to the Denver market - both from a leisure and business travel perspective. 

We know that 5% of inbound travelers come from Colorado, and many more from th~ west. Also, significant business 

development is occurring by Colorado and western state-based businesses in the Western North Carolina region. 

Enhanced air service to and from Denver and western states is a positive fit for the direction of growth this region is 

experiencing. 

The Asheville Regional Airport has put together n two-fold plan to mitigate the rising air fares lhey arc experiencing due 

to the loss of AirTrail Airways this year. The plan focuse-s on attrscting another low-cost air service provider to· serve the 

Denver market, and .Potentially additional marketS lost when AirTran w~s acquired by Sou.thwest. Second, the plan 

ensures that sufficient marketing will occur. to support the new low-fare carrier's success in the WNC market, and · 

includes a focus on strengthening the .newly formed travel advisory group. 

~ . 

Having been a mtmber of the Regional Airport Board, this is a major concern to me. Anything that expands our ability 

to meet the needs of our individuals and business clients is of utmost importance. I wholeheartedly support this request. 

Thank you for your consideration of the Asheville Regional Airport's grant request. 

Sincerely, 

/ ~~- . . : 

Representative Susan Fisher 

NC House District 114- Buncombe County 

S10-120621-008 {) 
HEATH SHULER 

11TH DISTRICT, NoRTH CAROUNA 

229 CANHDH ttoua: Omc£ BUU<HG 

WMJUIIOYOH, oc 20$\6 

Ptrom (20212~1 

FAA (202)228-6422 

20S CCUE<II SIAC!T, Surt~ 100 A<H!.Vt<LP, NC 211801 

PtfOHt 1828) 21;2-1051 

f.v< (828) 25Hl7J4 

illnngrts.s nf tft.e 1Rnttt.b ~tut.e.s 

Jituus.e J1f mepr.egentntfueu 

llulfiJlllgtou,l!Kit 20515-3311 

June 6, 2012 

The Honot-able Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

· 400 i 11 Street, SW Room 10200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

Co-C>tlllll 

COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION 

AND INFRASTRUCTURE 

SUICOM~UrTU OH 

IOOK\'/AY¥11110 TMmrr 

SU!COfJ~Im« o~ 

ECONOMIC 0£vnOPM!I/T, l'USLIC 8UII.COitG8, 

"'"'E•<tM<NCY MmMJU<tN r 

COMMITTEE ON THE BUOGn 

YHE STEEIUNG AND POLICY 

COMMITTEE 

llratoiiAL Wtu, 

I am writing to you today in suppo11 the Asheville Regional Aitport's Small Community 

Air Service Development Grant. This grant will allow for new and improved services in 

the westorn region of our state. This region is growing, and enhanced air service is 

imperative to the economic vitality of the area. Quality air service aids our economy 

through improved access for visitors, tourism a11d is important to business growth and 

retention. 

The western region has a noted conn~tion to the ~enver market - both fi"Otn a leisure 

and business travel perspective. I know that 5% of inbound travelers come from 

Colorado, a11d many more from the \vest. Also, significant business development is 

occurring by Colorado and western state~based businesses in t.he Western North Carolina 

region. Enhanced air service to and ft·om Denver and western states is a positive fit for 

the direction of growth this region is cxpcdencing. However, they have experienced the 

loss of low-cost air carrier AirTmn in the past year, and as a result, have seen airfares 

begin to rise to levels muoh greater than their competitors are experiencing. 

The Asheville Regional Airport has put together a two~ fold plan to mitigate the rising air 

fares they are e:werlencing due to the loss of AirTran AiiWays this year. Specifically, the 

plan focuses first on attmcting anothet· low~cost air service provider to serve the Denver 

market, and potentially additional mat'kets lost when AirTran was acquired by Southwest. 

Second, the pJan ensures that sufficient marketing will occur to support the new low~fru:e 

carrier's success in the WNC market, and includes a focus on strengthening the newly 

formed travel advisory group - a consortium of business leaders, economic developers 

and tourism representatives who meet quarterly to discuss air service needs, advocacy 

and utilization. 

rnttrn D OlllllCI'ClEO PAP( A 

510-120621-003 
'* ~ .. . . . 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

June 6, 2012 

Page2 

Your time and consideration of the Asheville Regional Airport's grant request would be 

greatly appreciated. 

Sincerely, 

Heath Shuler 

Member of Congress 

HS/jvc .. 

riUIITt00/1 ~ECYCUD roV'flt 

510-120621-003 

. .. 

, . 

• 
:: t.Y R H/I.Ci;\i'l :.;t·.' :1: 1 ~I l ,: .I) l ! 

WASHINGTOi':, DC 205 10 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

400 7' 11 Street, SW Room I 0200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood : 

June 7, 2012 

l•'! t~ cc.:; ... d r r ··, (• 

It has recently come to my attention that the Asheville Regional Airport has submitted to your 

office an application for funding through the Small Community Air Service Development grant 

program. 

Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina (WNC), the City of Asheville is a 

vibrant city that is a frequent tourist destination for North Carolinians and visitors to the state. In 

addition to the cultural and recreational assets that Asheville boasts, the City also continues to 

diversify its economic footprint by recruiting business and industry from across the country. The 

Asheville area is rapidly growing. and enhanced air service is imperative to the economic vitality 

ofthe area. 

Western North Carolina has a noted connection to the Denver market- both from a leisure and 

business travel perspective. I understand that 5% of inbound travelers come from Colorado, and 

many more from other western states. There has also been a significant increase in business 

development in Asheville from Colorado and western state~based businesses. Recently, two 

Colorado-based breweries announced plans to build operations in the Asheville service area and 

this is a market that has great potential in WNC. 

I understand that the Asheville Regional Airport has recently suffered the loss of low~cost air 

carrier AirTran Airways. and as a result, the airport has seen airfares begin to rise to levels much 

greater than their competitors. 1 he Ashevt lle Regional Airport has put together a two-told plan 

to mitigate the rising air fares they are experiencing due to the Joss of AirTran . The requested 

funds through this grant program will facilitate their efforts to implement this plan, and lay the 

groundwork for further growth in the Asheville area. 

With this in mind, I encourage the full and fair consideration of the Asheville Regional Airport's 

proposal as expeditiously as possible, consistent with your statutory tmd regulatory guidelines. 

Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact Chris Sgro of my staff at (336) 333-

5311, extension 27. 

~y,e95Z~ 

'~~~R Hagan :; 

United Stales Senator 

510-120613-022 
J1orth <!C.nolin~1 ~?h~nrral ~sstmiJlP 

}!)oust of 1\rprrs·rntatil.Jrs 

Rf':PRESSNT;\TiVE TIWDI IV t\LEND 

l !Jiil Dtstnct: r'olk , r<~n sy·l\'an;''· S. !Jemlerson 

Office : 50-1 Ler,ts!attn· Office Butlchn~ 

300 N Sahsb1.11V Stn·et 

Raktr,h. NC '2760.1·5925 

1o ne· : (91 <J) 71 s- 4<166 

fAX: !9 19) 754-3288 

Email -u J.t. ~\r: r.l!~h~. ~ll ..IJs:! 

!);strict: 14 7 Ri d gewood PL 

Bre\'nrd, NC 28/' 12-9561 

Home: !828) 883 -:3 7'l0 

En1aii: L\~ !~h~ ~~ cOl!J .:. s.,! 

,June 5, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood. Secretar~· 

U.S. Department of Trnnspot1ation 

400 7'h Street SW Room 10200 

Washington. D.C. 20590 

Dear Sccre!ary LaHood: 

O~. !t,II TT I.~ES 

.. \ gn cu! cure 

.\prropnalions 

Appropnat ton s ~tbroJ ltlllttl' r nn !l~ fn· c ancl Pu b! !c S:ti'CT\ 

Gm·c t nmc-11 1 

,Ju dJC ii?.l) ~uhc.omnntlrc [3 

Stn t,· Personnel 

I strongly support the Asht:villc Regional Airport's Small Community Air Scrvic..: Ocq:lopmcnt Grant. 

which will aiiO\v for new and improved <>crvicc in the \H.'stern r~g.ion 11f our <>tate. I hi<; rcgi1)11 is gW\\ int.. 

and enhanced air service is imperative to the economic vitality of the area. Quality air sen ice aids our 

economy through improved access lor visitors, tourism and b important to business gro\\lh <1nd retention. 

The western region has a noted conn..:ction to the Denver market - both !'rom a leisure and husincss Ira\ cl 

perspective. We know that 5% of inbound travelers come from Colorado. and many nwre from the \\est. 

Also. significant business development is occurring hy Colomdo and \\est em slak-based businesses in 

the Western North Carolina region. Enhanced air sen icc to and from Dcn\·er and \\estern states is a 

positi ve fit for the direction of growth this region is experiencing.. However_ \\C ha\t.' c:-;pericJH.:ed the 

loss of low-cost nir carrier AirTran in the past year. and as a rest~ II. hnw seen airfares begin to rise to 

levels much greater than our competitors are e:-.pericncing. 

The Asheville Regional Airport has put together a I\\O-f(lld plan to mitigate the rising air f<tres they arc 

cxperiencing. due to the loss of AirTran Ain"a) s this: ear. Specifically. the plan l<xu~e s first l.lll 

attracting another low-cost air service provider to serve the Denver market and potentially ndditional 

markets lost when AirTran \-\as acquired by S<.Jutlm ..:st. Se.:oml. the plan ensun..:::. that ~uiTici~.o·Jll 

marketing will occur to support the new IO\v-lnrc carrier'.;; success in the WNC markcL and includes a 

focus on strent,rthening the ne;vly formed travel advisor) group -- a consortium or busine-;s leaders. 

economic developers and !Guri~m representative.;; \\ !Jp meet qu:lr!L'riy II) discu::.s :.1ir sen icc m·cds. 

ad,·ocacy and utilization . 

Please accept my support of the Asheville Regional A irpon ·s g:n1nt request. 

Sinccn.:ly. 

510-120612-009 
l1 ou•"'r of HqnT !··n hiik' : 

~<i;rf. · i[.e oi ~· J;:iil. . JUni!\rino ....:'~' ·- ~ 

)l bJ.t ~\l!, 3':'-!([ 2( lilll- lLEh:, 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

400 7 th Street, SW Room 10200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

Jur.e 5, 201 2 

On behalf of [Name of Organi?.ation], we stronglv support the Asheville Regional Airport's Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant, whic.h will allow fo; new and irnproved ~ervice in the 

weste rn region of our state. Th1s region i5 growing, and enhanced atr service is imperative to the 

economic vitality of the area Quality air ser-Jice aids our economy through improved access for visitors, 

tourism and is tmportant to bus;nes ~ growth and retention. 

Tl ~ western <egton has a noted c•Jnn~ci.io n to the ~: en•,f>r :11.:;:ket b(•' h irom <; i.::·,~ur·~ and busine<:s 

trave l per:;pective. We kno w tha1. 5% oi inbound travelers rQrr:e f:om Colorado, ond many more from 

the west. Also, significant bu:>mE'ss development IS occurring by Co1orddo and western state-based 

businesses in the Western North Carolina region _ Enhanced air service to and from Denver and western 

states is a positive fit for thP direction of growth this region is experiencing However, we have 

experienced the loss of low-cost air carrier AirTran m the past year, and as a result, have seen airfares 

begin to rise to levels much greater than our competitors a1e experiencing. 

The Asheville Regional Airport has put together a two-fold plan to mitigate the rising air fares they are 

experiencing due to the loss of AirTran .A.irways <:his year. Spec fi C~IIy, the plan focuses first on attracting 

another iow-cost air service provider to serve the Denver market, and poter1 tially additional markets lost 

when AirTran was acquired by Southwest. Second, the plan ensures that sufficient marketing will occur 

to support the new low-fare carrier's success in the WNC market, and includes a focus on strengthening 

the newly formed travel advisory group- a consortium of business leaders, economic developers and 

tourism representativP-s who meet quarterly to discuss air service needs, advocacy and utilization. 

Plea:;~? accept 0ur :,uppo:t or the A.shevlllc ;{egKHICll Airport's gr3nt recjl.112St 

c:/7 t:;::J_. 

f / 

R2y Ff'oi)P 

s 10-120612-007 
Thursday, June 07, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Depattment ofTranspmtation 

400 i" Street, SW Room 10200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

On behalf of Van Wingerden International Inc., a horticulture business organization representing 250+ 

employees in the Western North Carolina area, we strongly support the Asheville Regional Airport's Small 

Conununity Air Service Development Grant, which will allow for new and improved service in our region. Our 

region is growing, and enhanced air service is imperative to the economic vitality of our area. Quality air 

service aids our economy through improved access for visitors, tourism and is important to business growth and 

retention. 

Oi.Jr region has a noted connection to the Denve.c market- both from a leisure and business travel perspeciiv~. 

We know that. 5% ofinbmmd travelers come from Colorado, and many more from the west. Also, significant 

business development is occurring by Colorado and western state-based businesses in the Western North 

Carolina region. Enhanced air service to and from Denver and.western states is a positive tit for the direction of 

growth our region is experiencing. However, we have experienced the loss of low-cost air carrier AirTran in 

the past year, and as a result, have seen airfares begin to lise to levels much greater than our competitors are 

experiencing. 

The Asheville Regional Airport bas put together a two-fold plan to mitigate the rising air fares they arc 

experiencing due to the loss of AirTran Airways this year. Specifically, the plan focuses first on attracting 

.mother low-cost air service proviJcr to serve the Denver market, and potentially additional markets lost when 

AliTran was acquired by Southwest. Second, the plan ensures that sufficient marketing will occur to support 

the new low-fare canier's success in the WNC market, and includes a focus on strengthening the newly formed 

travel advisory group ·- a consottimn of business leaders, economic developers and tourism representatives who 

meet quarterly to discuss air service needs, advocacy and utilization. . ' 

supp~rt oftbe Asheville Regional Airport's grant request. 

510-120622-013 

·-· ;; ~.'Narurc ~ HcriJ;tgl'· - ·---- ~~,... -·~~. 

·u ......._ . . 

' . 
BIDe Ufogen:JBtals Coup .. 180 Mills Gap Rd • PO Box 169 • Fletcher, NC 28732 • Tel (828) 687-2525 • FlllC (828) 687·1661 

June 7, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U .5. Department of Transportation 

400 7'h Street, SW Room 10200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

On behalf of Blue Ridge Metals Corporation, a manufacturing organization representing 130 employees 

In the Western North Carolina area, we strongly support the Asheville Regional Airport's Small 

Community Air Service Development Grant, which will allow for new and Improved service In our region. 

Our region Is growing, and enhanced air service Is Imperative to the economic vitality of our area. 

Quality air service aids our economy through improved access for visitors, tourism and Is Important to 

business growth and retention. ...._ 

··- Our region has a noted connection to the Denver market- both from a leisure and business travel 

perspective. We know that 5% of Inbound travelers come from Colorado, and many more from the 

west. Also, significant business development Is occurring by Colorado and western state-based 

businesses in the Western North Carolina region. Enhanced air service to and from Denver and western 

states Is a positive fit for the direction of growth our region Is experiencing. However, we have 

experienced the loss of low-cost illr carrier AirTran In the past year, and as a result, have seen airfares 

begin to rise to levels much greater than our competitors are experiencing. 

rhe Asheville fieglonal Airport has put t<JBet~~r a two-fold plan to mitieate the rising air fares they are 

experiencing due to the loss of AlrTrari Airways this year. Speclflcallv, the plan focuses first on attracting 

another low-cost air service provider to serve the Denver marl<et, and potentially additional markets lost 

when AlrTran was acquired by Southwest. Second, the plan ensures that suffldent marketing will occur 

to support the new low-fare carrier's succe~s in the WNC market, and Includes a focus on strengthening 

the newly formed travel advisory group~ a consortium of business leaders, economic developers and . . ' 

tourism representatives who meet quarterly to discuss air service needs, advocacy and utilization. 

Please accept our support of the Asheville Reglonnl Airport's grant request. 

Factory Manager 

s 10-120622-011 
BUNCOMBE 

COUNTY 

Buncombe County Commissioners 

HORTH CAROLINA David Gantt, Chairman 

Bill Stanley. Vice-Chairman - GOYtWHJJUHJune 6, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LaHood 

Secretary US Dept of Transportation 

400 7th Street, SW Room 1 0200 

Washington, DC. 20590. 

Dear Mr. LaHood: 

Carol Weir Peterson, Commissioner 

K. Ray Salley. Commissioner 

Holly Jones, Commissioner 

The Buncombe County Board of Commissioners is in support of direct flight service to 

Denver, Colorado from Asheville. We understand from recent travel data, that Denver is 

the most frequented destination for Buncombe County travelers without direct service 

. available and would serve as a significant new gateway to the western states from 

Asheville. 

We believe that direct service to Denver would enhance the quality of life for our residents 

and strengthen our regional capacity to attract and retain world-class corporate citizens. 

This direct flight Will be a great service to some of our most recent corporate citizens wl')o 

have home offices located in Denver. 

We wholeheartedly support direct flight service to Denver from Asheville and hope to hear 

very soon that it has become a reality. 

Sincerely, 

l?~~ David Gantt, 

Chairman 

K ~ . ~iley~ Commissioner 

uJM:. 1. df // 

Vice 

Bill St~nley, Chairman ~ 

Ji:!!Ff)\4 

Commissioner 

Carol Peterson 

Commissioner 

_2o.;..s.;..c.;..o_tte....:9:...;.e_s....:t ••_s_ul.;..te_3_o_o_-_A_sh_e_vl_lle-'-._N_c_2_e_so.;..t ____________ buncombecounty.org 

IJ. B28 . 2.50. 4001 

f. 82B. 250. 6077 

S10-120622-010 
June 6, 2012 

The Honorable Ray LnHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department ofTmnsportation 

400 7'h Street, SW Room I 0200 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

Deat· Secretary LaHood: 

On behalf of Buncombe County Government we strongly support the Asheville Regioual Aiq;ort's Smnll 

Community Air Service Development Grant, which will allow for new and improved service in onr 

region. Our region is growing, and enhanced nir service is impemtive to the economic vitality of onr area. 

Qunlity air service aids o11r economy through improved access for visitors, tourism and is important to 

business growth and retention. 

Our region has a noted cotmection to the Denver market- both from 11 leisure and business travel 

perspective. We know that 5% of inbound travelers come from Colorado, and many more fi·om the west. 

Also, significant business development is occurring by Colorado and wcstem stnte-b:tscd businesses in 

the Westem North Carolina region. Enhnnced oi1· service to !llld from Denver nnd westem states is a 

positive fit tor the direction of growth onr region is experiencing. However, we have experienced the 

loss of low-cost air cmTier AirTran in the past year, and us a result, ltave seen airfares begin to rise lo 

levels much grcnler than our competitors are experiencing. 

The Asheville Regionnl Airport has put together 11 two-fold plan to mitigate the rising air f.1res they nrc 

uxpcricncing due to the loss of AirTrau Airways this year. Specifically, the plan focuses first on 

attracting another low-cost air service provider to servo the Qenver llllll'ket, and potentially ndditionnl 

markets lost when AirTran was acquired by Southwest Second, the plan ensures that sufficient 

marketing will occm to suppott the new low-fare cmTier's success in the \VNC market, and includes A 

focus ou strengthening the newly formed travel advisory group- a consortium of business lc(ldcrs, 

economic developers and tolll·ism representatives who meet quarterly to discuss air scniice Ii~cd~, 

advocncy and ut!li7ation. 

Plense accept our supp01t of tl1e Asheville Regionnl Airport's grant request. 

s,~ly 

( l'i// /~n Cre(gff~?~/~lt County Mmmgcr / --r~ 

S10-120622-016