SERVINGTHE 

### I**~llLAGES** OF: BREVIG MISSION

DIOMEDE,ELIMGAMBELL GOLOV!'N KING ISLAND KOYUK MARY'S IGLOO NOME SAVOONGA SHAKTOOLIK**~HISHMAREF** SOLOMON STEBBINS I ST. MICHAEL

TELLER UNALAKLEET WALES

! WHITE MOUNTAIN**~** 'CSil"""**~** ,l!3.**~ ~,CJ.**  ./!!> TEL: (907) 443-5231· FAX: (907) 443-4452 ::**~** August 23, 2012

Mr. Dennis J. DeVany Chief, EAS and Domestic Analysis U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 NewJersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 Re: Essential Air Service for Diomede, Alaska (DM2) 

### DOCKET DOT-OST-2009-0260 DearMr. DeVany, 

# ·o

Kawerak is providing comments in support ofthe Evergreen Helicopterbidfor Essential Air Service (EAS) at Diomede, Alaska. The unreliable year around transportation issues cause numerous health and safety problems for Diomede residents. A subsidized air service is the best way to assure reliable transportation to the mainland for the residents. Diomede is not eligible to use theBasic EssentialAirService program, but the State of Alaska appropriated $200,000.00 inthe Fiscal Year 2013 budget as grant match funding so that Diomede can participate in the Air Transportation to**Non~eligible** Places program. Kawerak has four comments in support ofthe Evergreen Helicopter bid. 1. Within the information youprovided, 

### it stated that the Office ofGeneral Counsel ruled that the EAS statutes do 

### notpermit subsidizing boat service, whichrules outthe bid submitted by Umiaq Services. Kawerak tmderstands this ruling, but proposes that federally subsidizing boat service would be an additional way to improve access to Diomede. Boat services would providereliable transportation in the summer months when there is no ice runway. Furthermore, this option may be a more cost efficient means than air transport. We ask for your suggestions onhow Diomede may pursue funding for subsidized boat services. Kaweralc also advocates for federal support of boattransportation subsidies to help solve the· critical recurring transportation problems that the community ofDiomede faces. 2. Evergreen Helicopters submitted the only qualified bid, and Kawerak understands that they propose to fly a**four~**leg itinerary once a week for 44 weeks under the EAS contract. We share the concem with Steven Hatter about year around access. The schedule assumes that there are eight weeks dming the winter when there is an ice·timway and thatregular plane service from other commercial carriers 'I;Vill be. available. Within the contract, there needs to be a contingency plan for the very real possibility that an ice runway mightnot form as we have seen in recent years. Perhaps the contract should specify a specific number offlights to complete and allow a wider window oftime to completethe routes, rather than statingthe contract ,_ would last precisely 44 weeks. This would allow cancelled flights inthe summer and fall to be re"scheduled in the winter and assure year around access to Diomede in the eventthere is no ice runway. 3. Kawerakrespectfully urges US DOTto sign the EAS contract for air service at Diomede with Evergreen Helicopters, Inc. as soon as possible because it will significantlyimprove access to routine health services, supplies, medicine and basic · necessities while improving general economic welfare for the community of Diomede, Alaska. Evergreenhas a history ofproviding service in this region and the.· funding will helpthem add the needed number ofroutes to allowmore passenger service to the residents. 4. Additionally, Kawerak supports the continuation ofthe EAS program in Alaska and the crucial connection it brings to our remote communities. Diomede is located at a critical point near the International Date Line. 

### Itis a remote small economically distressed Alaska Native community. Poor access makes it harder for residents to live there and feel secure. This program will help improve access so that Diomede is a good communityto work, live and raise a family. Sinperely, KAWERAK,INC.



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Melanie ifahnke President CC: Pearl Mikulski CSD Vice President. DoraAhkinga, Mayor ofDiomede Orville Ahkinga, Sr., NativeVillage ofDiomede President Becky Kunayak, Inalik/Diomede Native Corporation President