WASHINGTON OFFICE 1605 LoNGWORTH HOB WASHINGTON, D.C. 20515 (202) 225·8045 FAx: (202) 225·9073

CHULA VISTA OFFICE 333 F STREET, SUITE A CHULA VISTA, CA91910 (619) 422·5963 FAx: (619) 422·7290

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Secretary Anthony Foxx U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590.

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

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May 13,2014 COMMITTEE ON fOREIGN AFFAIRS

MIDDLE EAsT AND NoRTH AFRICA TERRORISM, NONPROLIFERATION, AND TRADE

CoMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE

GENERAL FARM COMMODITIES AND RISK MANAGEMENT

HoRTICULTURE, ResEARCH, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND FOAEIC>N AGRICULTURE

COMMITTEE ON HoUSE ADMINISTRATION

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I write to express my concerns with the U.S. Department ofTransportation's Tentative Orderto terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in

## Ei Centro, California located inthe Imperial County portion ofthe 

### 51st Congressional District, which I represent. I understand the Department's order intends to implement the reforms included inthe "Federal Aviation Administration Modernization and Reform Act," whichrequires subsidized communities to maintain an average of 10 passenger enplanements per service day in order to remain inthe EAS program. However, as you draftthe final order, I urge you to consider the circumstances that contributedto Imperial County Airport's unique year inwhich they were unable to meetthe 10 enplanement average by 0.5 passengers. Furthermore, I ask that you consider the detrimental economic impacts thatmay occur as aresult ofterminatingtheprogram.
The Imperial County Airporthas a tremendous track record ofsurpassing the EAS program requirements put forth bythe government. According to the Department ofTransportation, the Imperial Valley Airport dramatically exceeded the enplanemcnt minimum in four ofthe last five years. Beginning in FY 2009 and ending inFY 2012, the airport logged in 16, 17.7, 20, and 20.7 enplanements, respectively. Unfortunately, inFY 2013, the Imperial County Airport barely fell belowthe ten enplanementthreshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. During FY 2013, Imperial County residents were forced to adapt to a change in EAS service carriers and adjust to newroutes. The Imperial County Airport was served by SkyWestUnited until Apri12013. During that time, flights were operated to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), which greatly benefittedpassengers because LAX is one ofthe largest airports inthe United States. Furthermore, United's service included interline agreements with a diverse group ofairlines which enabled passengers to connect to a large number ofdomestic and international cities.InMay 2013 the Department selected Seaport Airlines as the new EAS carrier. Their service replaced flights to LAX with service to large-hub San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Burbank's Bob Hope Airport (BUR), a medium-hub airportnorth ofLAX. Despite the advantage ofhaving access to two airports, this federally mandated service attracted fewer passengers because itis flown on a smaller aircraft, and Seaport did not initially have interline agreements inplace to allowpassengers to transfer at SAN and BURto other airlines. In addition, SAN and BURoffer fewer connecting opportunities thanLAX, because fewer airlines and routes are served from SAN andBUR. As you might imagine, all these changes were contributing factors to a temporary decline in daily enplanements. Lastly, in addition to considering the unique factors impactingthe Imperial County community in FY2013, I ask that you considerrevisiting the way in which enplanements are averaged. Ratherthan look at a community's average enplanements on an annual basis, I urge the Department ofTransportationto consider the average enplanements overthe last three fiscal years to truly gauge the community's activity and needs. This more comprehensive approach would ensure that communities encountering a temporary challenge would continue to be eligible for the EAS program.
As you know, the Essential Air Service was put into place to guarantee that small communities, including those within the Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. Over the last several years, Imperial County has experienced the highestunemployment rate in the nation and I believe that we should worktogether to encourage economic growth, and consider all factors before terminating a much-needed program inthe region. Thank youfor your time and kind consideration ofmy request. Should youhave any questions, please feel free to contact my Legislative Director, Janine Pairis at (202) 225-8045.