Ralph Cordova Jr. 

County Executive Officer 

July 22, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

COUNTY EXECUTIVE OFFICE 

United States Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

County Administration Center 

940 Main Street, Suite 208 

El Centro, CA 92243 

760-482-4290 Tel 

760-352-7876 Fax 

ralphcordova@co.imperial.ca. us 

www.co.imperial.ca.us· 

r·•· . ., -~ 

, .. , "• . ""'". 

RE: Petition of El Centro, California (Imperial County Airport "IPL") for a waiver from the 10-

enplanement statute, Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx: 

As expressed in the attached letters of support and the following documentation, the residents and 

delegation of Imperial County, California are committed to ensuring the success and longevity of air travel 

between the Imperial Valley, San Diego and Burbank. Pursuant to DOT Order 2014-6-6 and 49 U.S.C. 

41731(e), we urge you to grant a waiver and an exemption from 49 U.S.C. 41731(a)(1)(B) to Imperial 

County on the basis that it is clear the decline in passengers below the necessary ten per day was in fact 

temporary. 

Imperial County Airport {IPL) is one of 13 Essential Air Service (EAS) airports that were notified by Final 

Order by the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) on June 241

h, 2014 that the community 

was no longer eligible for EAS funding because the airport failed to meet the criteria requirement to serve 

at least ten passengers per day during the year-ended September 30, 2013. Further, the Final Order 

indicates that the community needs to; 11Show cause as to why the Department of Transportation should 

not terminate the eligibility of the community under the Essential Air Service (EAS) pr()gram." 

As this letter will demonstrate, the service area around IPL was hard-hit by the Global Credit and 

Mortgage Meltdown Crisis in 2008, but economic and demographic trends have improved since. In 

addition, the EAS airline and routes changed in May 2013, and in the short time since a new airline and 

new service has been in place, passenger acceptance has built steadily. However, the service transition 

was a large factor in IPL's daily passenger decline and we believe the traffic dip to be a shot term, 

temporary issue that will improve considerably over the next year. 

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY/AFFlRJ'vlA TIVE ACTION EJ\!lPLOYER 
Introduction 

IPL is located in Southeastern California bordered by Arizona to the East, San Diego County to the West, 

and Mexico approximately 20 miles to the South. Even though it is about 113 miles to San Diego, road 

access to the riearest large hub airport from Imperial County is made uniquely more challenging than 

distance alone due to congestion, weather and the daily traffic caused by stationary border patrol traffic 

stops on all major roadways leading out ofthe County. As demonstrated below, SAN is the closest major 

airport to Imperial County, but it is almost a two hour drive. It is common to have significant traffic 

delays along Interstate 8 and Interstate 5 in San Diego County on a regular basis. It is typical for 

residents to add 30 to 45 minutes to their commute to factor in the impacts of the stationary border 

patrol stops. 

Figure 1: Distance to Major Airports from Imperial County 

213 3 hours, 26 minutes 

243 3 hours, 53 minutes 

296 4 hours, 16 minutes 

384 6 hours, 2 minutes 

613 8 hours, 40 minutes 

591 9 hours, 21 minutes 

596 9 hours, 36 minutes 

Sources: California Dept of Finance; US Census Bureau; CA Employment Development Dept; Rand McNally.com 

The border patrol stops increase the amount of time that passengers need to travel to other airports, as 

well as the community's reliance, thus importance, on IPL for access to the national and international air 

transportation network to support economic growth in the area. In addition, traveling to either San 

Diego International Airport (SAN) or Burbank's Bob Hope Airport (BUR) also means passengers are 

driving in two of the top 15 most congested regions in the US. 1 Traveling to Burbank involves driving 

along the congested Interstate 10 and Interstate 5 from the Imperial Valley. 

IPL's passenger performance peaked in 2007 with 64 enplanements per day on United Express. In 2008, 

the economy of Imperial County was devastated by the housing crisis and economic recession, which. 

greatly hurt the county, the state of California, and the country. That said, from 2008 to 2012, passenger 

performance at IPL was approximately double the US DOT's EAS threshold of ten passengers per day. So 

despite the hard economic times, IPL clearly valued its airport and utilized its service as much as 

possible. 

1 Greater Los Angeles is the 2nd most congested car travel market and San Diego is ranked 15th (Texas A&M 

Transportation Institute, Annual Transportation Survey) 

2 
Economic and Demographic Trends in Imperial County 

The economy of Imperial County was hard hit by the Global Credit Crisis and Mortgage Meltdown of 

2008, but prudent investments in the future have been made there, and positive results are being 

achieved. Imperial County was disproportionately impacted by the poor global economy because it is a 

market that relied upon the agricultural sector for jobs. This coupled with the loss of construction jobs in 

the county due to the housing crisis left the county as one of the worst performing economic areas in 

California. 

Offshoring of manufacturing jobs to Asia has also affected Imperial County's economy; however as 

wages increase in Asia, jobs are starting to return to Mexicali, Mexico, and Calexico, California which are 

located directly across from each other on the US-Mexico border. 

Imperial County is now looking to diversify its economy with green-energy companies and a goal to 

become the renewable energy capital of the country. Tenaska Solar Ventures is one of the companies 

committing to the area with an investment of more than $500 million in the Imperial Valley's economy. 

This project will lead to construction jobs, 70 percent of which will be local. It will also support more 

than $20 million in construction contracts to local companies. Other companies also investing and 

partnering with the county include Ocotillo Wind, Cal Energy, and 8minute Energy all of which are 

renewable energy firms. 

Figure 2: Imperial County's Historical Population and Total Personal Income Per Capita 

185 35 ra 

180 

175 

170 c 

0 165 ~ 

..!!! 160 :::s 

c. 

0 155 0.. 

. ······"'_,..- ./'" ~ 

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... 25 Cll 

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Cll 

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o- uO 

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15 --ra 

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0 

150 10 ... "' Cll 

145 

140 

0.. 

5 iii 

... 

0 

1-

135 ' 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 

-Population ·~-·Total Personal Income Per Capita (Current Dollars) 

Source: Woods & Poole 

Housing values in Imperial County demonstrate the impact the economic recession had on the county. 

In 2007, median housing values peaked at almost $250,000, but decreased to a low of $130,000 in 2011. 

In 2012 the housing values began to show signs of rebounding with an increase of 2 percent per annum. 

3 
Figure 3: Median Household Value 

MEDIAN VALUE: 

Owner-occupied housing units 

300 

250 1-----~~--~~--------------------------

~ 

§ 200+-~~~-------~--~~"·~---------------­ / 

Qj 

:::1 150 

~ 100 

50.+-------------------------------------------

0 

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 

Source: American Community Survey, US Census 

Historical Passenger Performance at IPL 

Ofthe thirteen EAS airports impacted by the US DOT's Final Order, IPL has the highest number of 

passenger enplanements at 9.5 per day as shown on Figure 5. It bears noting that this is only halfan 

enplanement per day lower than the US DOT's minimum requirement for EAS funding, and that it 

rounds to the US DOT's minimum level often. 

Figure 4: List of Airports Listed in Tentative Order Regarding Termination of EAS Eligibility 

El Centro California 9.5 

Fort Dodge Iowa 9.4 

Greenville Mississippi 9.3 

Jackson Tennessee 7.8 

Merced California 7.7 

Bradford Pennsylvania 6.9 

Lancaster Pennsylvania 6.3 

Muscle Shoals Alabama 6.3 

Athens Georgia 5.9 

Franklin/ Oil City Pennsylvania 5.0 

Macon Georgia 4.0 

Hagerstown Maryland 3.9 

an Arizona 2.7 

Source: US DOT Tentative Order Regarding Termination of EAS Eligibility 

4 
IPL has been served by two carriers, United Express, operated by SkyWest Airlines C'UAX"), which 

ceased service in April of 2013 and SeaPort Airlines ("SeaPort"), which took over the flying in May of 

2013 when the US DOT selected SeaPort as the new EAS carrier. UAX served the market for a long time 

and had built a loyal following. When UAX was serving IPL, flights were operated to Los Angeles 

International Airport ("LAX"), the third busiest airport in the US. The UAX service benefitted passengers 

because LAX has considerable connecting options with a diverse group of airlines serving a large number 

of domestic and international cities. Connecting service is key because the majority (78%) of IPL's 

passengers traveled beyond LAX in 2012 on UAX's service.2 The local origin and destination market 

passenger demand is low, which is typical for most non-hub airports. 

SeaPort's service replaced flights to LAX with operations to SAN, the 29th busiest large-hub passenger 

airport in the US, and BUR, a medium-hub facility north of Downtown Los Angeles in the San Fernando 

Valley. Despite the advantage of having access to two airports, this federally mandated new service 

initially attracted fewer passengers because it is flown on smaller aircraft (nine versus 30 seats) to new 

markets and its brand was unknown to most of the County. As a result of the smaller aircraft operated 

by SeaPort, the number of daily seats offered from IPL is approximately half the level provided by UAX 

as shown on Figure 6. 

Figure 5: IPL's Average Seat Departures per Day 

120 '06 UAX: LAX & 

YUM 

100 

80 '04 UAX: '11 UAX:YUM 

is cancelled in 

LAX& February 

'13 Seaport 

> enters in May; ta 

0 UAX leaves I PL ........ 60 in April "' .... 

ta 

QJ 

Vl 

40 

20 

0 

2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 

Ill United Airlines Seaport Airlines 

Source: lnnovata Schedules, via Diio, Annual seats divided by 365 days, Calendar Year, in 2013, United's service transitioned to 

SeaPort Airlines 

2 US DOT O&D Survey, Calendar year 2012 

5 
A critical reason for fPL's low passenger performance after SeaPort began flying was that SeaPort 

initially lacked the interline agreements in place to allow passengers and bags to transfer at SAN and 

BUR to other airlines smoothly. Furthermore, SAN and BUR service levels offerfewer connecting 

opportunities than LAX. For example, United, the second largest carrier at SAN behind Southwest 

Airlines, serves seven domestic markets, including LAX, with 35 dailyflights, compared to 48 domestiC 

and 12 international markets with 184 daily flights from LAX. Southwest has no interline relationship 

with any carrier across its network. Passengers can connect to/from a Southwest flight but have to 

retrieve th!;!ir checked bags, then check in separately with Southwest. Interline agreements will typically 

check bags and provide tickets to passengers all the way through their journey. 

Now, however, SeaPort has interline agreements with carriers operating at SAN and/or BUR, including 

Alaska Airlines (which has significant operations at both airports). And, although SAN and BUR may offer 

fewer connecting opportunities, both still offer significant connecting opportunities to domestic and 

transborder service- including nonstop flights from SAN to both London Heathrow {LHR), and Tokyo 

Narita {NRT). 

As shown on Figure 7, IPL consistently generated approximately twenty passengers per day 2009-2012, 

IPL passenger traffic peaked in 2007 when the airport had nearly twice daily service to LAX and Yuma, 

Arizona ("YUM"). United's service with multiple online and interline connecting opportunities at LAX· 

allowed both business and leisure passengers to travel globally and in addition, the larger 30 seat 

Embraer 120 aircraft can accommodate more demand. 

Figure 6: Historical Enplanements per Day 

60.0 +---------

50.0 ·+---------

20.0 

10.0 

0.0 

Source: T-100 Data, via Diio, YE September, Based on 313 dav.s 

Only year that I PL is below 

the US DOT's threshold of 10 

6 
Figure 7: El Centro Imperial County Historical Load Factor 

.... 

0 

.... u_ 

60% 

50% 

40% 

8!. 30% "C 

111 

0 

..... 20% 

10% 

0% 

Source: T-100 Data, via Diio, YE September 

During 2007, IPL also reached its highest load factor of 52% as shown on Figure 8. IPL was hard hit by the 

weak economy in 2008, 2009 and 2010 with an immediate decline in traffic and load factor. As IPL 

started to emerge from the recession, air travel increased to 20.6 in 2012. As the Department 

recognized, traffic at IPL "decreased significantly" starting in late 2012 when Skywest stopped basing an 

aircraft at IPL, thereby eliminating an early morning departure to the hub and late evening arrival from 

the hub. See DOT Order 2013-1-2, at 3. In 2013, the US DOT selected a new airline, Seaport, serving 

new markets, and passenger traffic decreased. SeaPort is basing an aircraft at IPL thus permitting an 

early morning departure from, and late evening return to, Imperial. Such a schedule is more passengerfriendly and should help improve traffic levels. 

This decrease is temporary because the community is adjusting to the new airline, destinations, flight 

schedules, and a smaller aircraft type. Additionally, SeaPort needed time to negotiate critical interline 

agreements with other airlines at BUR and SAN. 

In the future, passenger traffic will benefit from the interline agreements that SeaPort Airlines has 

signed with Alaska Airlines (which operates at both SAN and BUR). Two more interline agreements with 

other airlines are due to be signed shortly. These agreements will greatly help generate passengers at 

IPL with convenient connections at BUR and SAN. Additionally, SeaPort is in the process of joining a 

major carrier's frequent flyer program- expected to be completed by December, 2014. 

7 
SeaPort Airlines Marketing Plan 

SeaPort Airlines, Inc. is implementing a mix of marketing and public relations efforts to build brand 

awareness, develop trust and increase local enplanements. First and foremost, SeaPort has positioned. 

itself as Imperial Valley's hometown service, providing Imperial Valley with convenient and reliable air 

service at low prices (currently as low as $53.50 each way). Second, SeaPort bases aircraft at IPL, 

thereby enabling an early morning departure and late evening arrival at IPL, which even the Department 

has previously noted was an important aspect of having successful service. Third, SeaPort has signed 

interline agreements with major carriers serving both SAN and BUR, and is pursuing several other 

interline relationships. This will substantially broaden travel options for IPL passengers and will facilitate 

their travel. Fourth, SeaPort maximizes "reach" through "worldwide connections", established through 

extensive investment in distribution through the GDS and interline agreements, making flights easy to 

find and book where passengers are most likely to search online (e.g. Online Travel Agents (OTAs), metasearch, and aggregators). 

Since it was selected by the USDOT to serve IPL, SeaPort's marketing strategy in Imperial Valley has 

leveraged both traditional and emerging media to achieve objectives, and has included the following 

tactics: 

• Outdoor advertising (billboards) 

• Radio advertising (both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking demographics) 

• Local community outreach and presentations 

• Event marketing 

• Cause marketing 

• Digital advertising/search engine marketing 

• Digital marketing, content marketing, and use of social media 

• E-mail marketing 

• Strategic partnerships with local organizations (EI Centro Chamber, Imperial Chamber & IVECD) 

• Promotional fare sales 

SeaPort will continue to employ this mix of tactics to reach both business and leisure travelers in 

Imperial Valley, and increase its efforts aggressively in the remainder of 2014, in light of the recent 

endangerment of EAS eligibility in Imperial Valley. Specific campaigns planned immediately include: 

• Use of moveable trailers and signs throughout the valley to promote service ("migrating 

billboards") 

• KXO radio "Hometown service. Worldwide connections." campaign promoting interline 

connectivity from Imperial Valley. 

• Heavy distribution of printed materials (like rack cards), in both Spanish and English 

• Summer fare sale 

• Satellite community outreach 

SeaPort will continue to pursue more interline agreements to increase Imperial Valley connectivity and 

visibility. Additionally, SeaPort's planned website redesign 2014-2015 will include implementation of a 

multi-language site, opening up reach even further globally. 

8 
It is also worth noting that jurisdictions within Imperial County have instituted Travel Justification Forms 

that require out of town travel to utilize SeaPort Airlines service. Directing important business travelers 

to use SeaPort's service will also help to build awareness and traffic at IPL. 

Figure 8: SeaPort Airlines Card Rack Marketing 

SEA; PORT 

====:-AIRLINES 

Source: SeaPort Airlines 

9 
Figure 9: SeaPort Airlines Billboard in Imperial Valley 

Source: SeaPort Airlines 

Conclusion 

Despite the effects of the recession, IPL's traffic levels had remained above the mandatory ten 

enplanements per day by at least six passengers every year except for 2013. SeaPort Airlines entered the 

Imperial Valley market in 2013, and even during that transitional time enplanements were only slightly 

below the required 10 daily passengers and higher than any of the other at-risk EAS communities .. 

The economy of Imperial Valley continues to improve and the SeaPort Airlines service is vital in the 

recovery. Once SeaPort's interline agreements take effect, IPL should easily exceed the threshold often 

enplanements per day as the flights will have the benefit of connecting passengers. The entire Imperial 

County, including many of its most important constituents are dedicated to developing SeaPort's 

success. 

10 
As such, it is certain that the passenger performance below US DOT EAS minimums is a temporary 

circumstance related to the entrance of a new carrier serving new markets from I PL. The community of 

Imperial County is unified in its support of the SeaPort service and will take every opportunity to use the 

service when travelling by air. Under these circumstances, I feel a waiver is in order and I urge the 

US DOT to grant it forthwith to Imperial County so we can preserve our important air travel link. 

Imperial County Executive Officer 

Attachments: 

Letters of Support 

11 
WASHINGTON 0.FFICE 

1805 LONCWOqTH 

WASHI>IBTON, D.C. 20515 

(202) 225-8045 

F>.x: (202) 225-9073 

CHU!..A VIsTA OFFICE 

333 F STREET, SUITE A 

CHULA VmA, CA 9191 0 

(fi19) 422.-5963 

FAx: (619) 422-7290 

EL C5NTRO OFFICE 

380 NORTH B·rH STREET, #14 

E1. CENTP.O, CA 92243 

(760)355·8800 

Qlongrez~ of ±qe ~tti±-eil ~fates 

~~=louse nf ~cpreseutathJes 

FAx: (760) 321-9664 

VAAGAS.HOUSE.GOV 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 Nevv· Jersey Ave. SE 

Washington, DC 20590. 

Dem Secretary Foxx, 

j}umt ~argafl 5ht .~ish·id, ffiafifomia . 

July 10, 2014 

CoMMITTEE ON FoREIGN AFFAIRS 

MmDt.E EAST AND NoRTH AFHiC.A 

Tt::~ROfUSM, ~l\')NPROUFEFtATrON, AN.[} T~IAOE 

CoMMITTEE ON AGRICULTURE 

GENERhL FAR~,., Cow..1oomr;.s AND 

RtsK MANAGEMENT 

1-fORTICULTU!=lE, RESEAR.Ch" 8tOiE.CHNGl0GY 

AND FoHE!ON Aon:cULTIJRE 

COMMITTEE ON House ADMINISTRATION 

JOINT COMMITTEE ON PRINTING 

r \vritc to express my concerns vvith the U.S. Department of Transportation's Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in the 

Imperial County portion of the 51 51 Congressional District, which I represent. I understand the 

Department's order intends to implement the reforms included in the "J:ederal Aviation 

Administration Modernization and Reform Act, .. which requires subsidized communities to 

maintain an average of 10 passenger enplanements per service day in order to remain in the EAS 

program. However, as you consider a waiver, I urge you to cogitate the circumstances that 

contributed to Imperial County Airport's (IPL) unique year in which they vvere unable to meet 

the 10 enplanement average by 0.5 passengers. Furthermore, r ask that you consider the 

detrimental economic impacts that may occur as a result of terminating the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government According to the Department of Transportation, the 

Impei·ial Valley Airport dramatically exceeded the enplan~ment minimum in fou:r of the last five 

years. Beginning in FY 2009 and ending in FY 2012, the airport logged in 16, 17. 7. 20. and 20.7 

enplanements~ respectively. Unfortunately, in fY 2013, the Imperial Cc·unty AiJport barely fell 

below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 cnplanements for the first time. I trust that 

this is a temporary decline, as there vvere various factors that contributed to this momentary 

decrease in daily enplanements. 

During FY 2013, Imperial County residents were forced to adapt to a change in EAS service 

carriers and adjust to new routes. The Imperial County Airport \Vas served by Sky West United 

until it ceased operations there in April 2013. During that time, flights 1-vere operated to Los 

Angeles International Airp01i (LAX), which greatly benefined passengers because LAX is one 

of the largest airpmis in the United States. Furthermore. United's service included interline 

. ·-·-···--·--------------· 
agreei11ents with a diverse group of airlines which enabled passengers to connect to a large 

number of domestic and international cities. 

In May 2013 the Depmtment selected Seaport Airlines as the new EAS"can·ier. Their service 

replaced flights to LAX \Vith service to lmge-hub San Diego International Airport (SAN) and 

Bttrbank's Bob Hope Airport (BUR), a medium-hub airpm1 north of LAX. Despite the 

advantage of having access to two airports, this federally mandated service attracted fewer 

passengers because it is flown on a smaller aircraft, and Seaport did not initially have interline 

agreements in place to allow passengers to transfer at SAN and BUR to other airlines. In 

addition, SAN and BUR oftcr fe\.ver connecting opportunities than LAX, because fewer airlines 

and routes are served from SAN and BUR. 

Seaport Airlines has shared their current and future marketing efforts, and has informed me of 

the recent, steady increase in daily cnphmements. In addition, they established an 

interconnection agreement \vith Alaska Air1i..nes in March 2014. J \Nas also notified that several 

local governments and agencies in Imperial County have committed to utilize the local air carrier 

in support of sustaining the airport as much as possible. As you might imagine, we are all 

hopeful that all these changes are and \vill continue to contribute to the rise in daily 

enplanements so that Imperial County can continue to participate in the EAS program. 

Lastly, in addition to considering the unique factors impacting the lmperial County community 

in FY 2013, I ask that you consider revisiting the way in which enplanements are averaged. 

Rather than look at a community's average enplanements on an annual basis, I urge the 

Department of Transportation to consider the average enplanemenls owr the last tlu·ee fiscal 

years to truly gauge the community's activity and needs. This more comprehensive approach 

would ensure that communities encountering a temporary challenge \vould continue to be 

eligible for the EAS program. 

As you know, the Essential Air Service was pui into place to guarantee that small communities, 

including those within the Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. lt 

is essential to consider all factors before terminatii1g a much-needed program in a region with 

such need. Over the last several years, Imperial County has experienced the highest 

unemployment rate in the nation. I believe that we should \VOrk together to encourage economic 

grov\·th. Thank you for your time and kind consideration of my request Should you have any 

questions, please feel free to contact my Legislative Director, Janine Pairis at (202) 225-8045. 

t4 

Member 

,./u'\1 VARGAS 

of Congress 

~ 

·-·----·-·-----· ----·---·--·-·-----------·-·· -------- ·-- ... --·------
The Honorable Anthony Foxx 

Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Ave. SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx: 

rnatr 

June 27. 20 l..J. 

We write to .YOU today to express our support for the petitions submilted by Imperial 

County and Merced Regional Airports tor waivers to remain in the Essential Air Service 

Program (EAS). We understand Lhat both airports had a tempora1·y decline in enplanements last 

fiscal year. and because of that fell under the threshold necessary to continue receiving EAS 

support. 

Both airports have conveyed that these declines in enplanements during fiscal year 2013 

were temporary. Imperial County Airport had a change in air carriers during lhe first half nf last 

year. This new air carrier initially lacked interline agreements \vith other airlines, and the 

community is still adjusting to new schedules and different routes. 

!'vlerced Regional Airport historically averaged above the minimum threshold. but also 

had several scheduling changes in 2013. as well as some issues \Vith a major destination terminal 

that have since been resolved. 

We believe that the continuation of these two l:::AS programs in Ca!i!CJrnia is vital for the 

communities that depend on aftordable transportation options and hope you cmisider these 

petitions favorably. Thank you lor your attention to this issue and we look forward to your 

response. 

I 

Barbara Boxer 

United States Senator 

Sincerely. 

Dianne Feinstein 

United States Senator 
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SENATOR 

BEN HUESO 

FORTIETH SENATE DISTRiCT 

May 12,2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

As the local State Senator for the region, I write to express my concerns with the 

Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to terminate the Essential Air Service 

(EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial County. I urge you to consider 

the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed termination 

of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS 

program requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically 

exceeded the enplanement minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, 

in FY 2013, the Imperial County Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement 

threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

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 

highest unemployment rate in the nation. Our federal government should encourage 

economic growth, and consider all factors before terminating a much-needed program 

in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record 

over the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should 

the Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed 

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(PAGE 2-CONTlNUED) 

SENATOR 

BEN HUESO 

FORTIETH SEN.!\TE DISTRICT '" ''·" .. nv., 

Essential Air Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. Thank 

you for your time and consideration of my request. 

ij:EN HUESO 

California State Senator, District 40 

CC:Rep.Juan Vargas 

John Renison Chairman Imperial County Board of Supervisors 

: ..:VJ3 1 ·! STR£2T SUl'n: 2('<· 

l:HU!_A V1ST~ ~..,.- ·4. 9l ~~; .·_: 

·-~~ 12~~ SMUR!:'{ STR£ET St.:iTE i? 
STATE CAPITOL 

P.O. BOX 942849 

Room4112 

SACRAMENTO, CA 94249-0056 

(916) 319-2056 

FAX (916) 319-2156 

May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

~ss~mhluQlalifnruht ~~gislafur~ 

V. MANUEL PEREZ 

ASSEMBLYMEMBER, FIFTY-SIXTH DISTRICT 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT -OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary F oxx, 

STANDING COMMITEES: 

Government Organization 

Insurance 

Jobs, Economic 

Development & the Economy 

Revenue and Taxation 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to terminate 

the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial County. I urge 

you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed termination 

of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a remarkable track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanetnent 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. The one exception is FY 2013, when ImperialCounty 

Airport fell just slightly below the ten enplanement threshold, achieveing 9.5 enplanements. 

As you know, the EAS program was put into place to guarantee that small communities, including 

those within Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. Over the last several 

years, Imperial County has experienced the highest unemployment rate in the nation. The EAS 

program supports local economic activity and growth, which our region needs more than ever. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's solid track record over the 

last three fiscal years, and I ask that you consider the devastating void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation decide to terminate the much-needed EAS program at the Imperial 

County Airport. Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact my Senior Representative 

Bianka Velez in myEl Centro office at 760-336-8912. Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

y A-J~- v. MANUEL PEREZ 

Assemblymember, 56th District 

DISTRICT OFFICES 

RIVERSIDE COUNTY 

45-677 Oasis St., Indio, CA 92201 

(760)342-8047 I FAX (760) 347-8704 

IMPERIAL COUNTY 

1625 W. Main St, #220, El Centro, CA 92243 

(760) 336-8912 I FAX (760) 336-8914 
DISTRICT l 

JOHN R RENISON 

DISTR!CT2 

JACK TERRAZAS 

DISTRICT3 

MICHAEL W. KELLEY 

D!STR!CT4 

RYAN E KELLEY 

DISTRICT 5 

RAY CASTILLO 

May 12,2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

~oarb of ~uperbisors 

QC.ountp of 3Jmperial 

U.S. Department ofTransp01iation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

COUNTY ADMINISTRATION CENTER 

940 MAIN STREET. SUITE 209 

EL CENTRO, CA 92243-287 I 

TELEPHONE: (760) 482-4220 

FAX" (760) 482-4215 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to terminate the 

Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial County. I urge you to 

consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed termination of the 

program. 

The Imperial County Airport has an incredible track record of surpassing the EAS program requirements 

put forth by the government, as they have significantly exceeded the enplanement minimum in four of the 

last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County Airpmi barely fell below the ten 

enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

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 highest unemployment rate in the nation. Now more than ever 

with our economy still shaky, we need to keep the Essential Air Service program. Our federal government 

should encourage economic growth, and consider all the factors prior to terminating a much-needed 

program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over the last 

three fiscal years, the loss of this vital lifeline would not only greatly inconvenience travelers but would 

derail economic development efforts. I ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation in the end decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air Service 

program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request, 

Board of Supervisor 

.-\\E(H .. \I.Ill'l'Oilll'\11'\! \1-'FIIi\L\li\E \CliO\ V\ll'l.01LH 
July 15, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department ofTransport<;ltion 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, D.C. 20590 

CITY COUNCIL 

Geoff Dale- Mayor 

Mark Gran- Mayor Pro-Tem 

Rick Breland- Council Member 

Doug Cox- Council Member 

Betty Sampson- Council Member 

CITY CLERK 

Debra jackson 

CITY TREASURER 

Stacy Cox 

RE: Petition of El Centro for a waiver from the 10-emplanement statute, Docket -DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

This letter is in support of the Essential Air Service {EAS) contract for Seaport Airlines from the Imperial 

County Airport (IPL). The City of Imperial recognizes that the air service provider did not maintain a 

minimum of 10 enplanements per day, as required by the program, however this is a temporary 

situation and we support a waiver for this order. 

Imperial County Airport is located in the City of Imperial in the Southeastern corner of California. It is 

bordered by Arizona and Mexico. Even though it is about 114 miles to San Diego, road access to the 

nearest large hub airport is made uniquely more challenging than distance alone due to congestion, 

unpredictable border crossings, and road closures due to weather conditions on all roadways leading 

out of Imperial County. This increases the amount of time that passengers need to travel to other 

airports, as well as increases the community's reliance on IPL and its EAS for access to the international 

air transportation network to support economic growth in the area. 

IPL.has been served by two carriers, United Airlines operated by SkyWest, which ceased service in April 

of 2013, and Seaport Airlines, which began service in May 2013 when the US DOT selected Seaport as 

the new EAS carrier. Seaport's 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 airport North of LAX. 

Despite the advantage of having access to two airports, this federally mandated service attracted fewer 

passengers because it is flown on smaller aircraft, and Seaport did not initially have interline agreements 

in place to allow passengers to transfer at SAN and BUR to other airlines. As a result of the smaller 

aircraft operated by Seaport, the number of daily seats offered from IPL was approximately half the 

number offered by United. 

IPL consistently generated approximately twenty passengers per day in 2009 through 2012. IPL 

passenger traffic peaked in 2007 when the airport had nearly twice daily service to LAX and YUMA, 

Arizona "YUM". United's service with online and interline connecting opportunities at LAX allowed both 

business and leisure travelers to travel globally and on a larger aircraft, the 30-seat Embraer 120. During 

420 SOUTH IMPERIAL AVENUE • IMPERIAL, CA 92251 • TEL {760) 355-4371 • FAX (760) 355-4718 • WWW.CITYOFIMPERIALORG 
2007, IPL also reached its highest load factor of 52%. IPL was hit hard by the weak economy in 2008, 

2009 and 2010 with an immediate decline in traffic and load factor. As IPL started to emerge from the 

recession, air travel increased to 20.6 in 2012. In 2013, the US oar selected a new airline, serving new 

markets and passenger traffic decreased. 

This temporary decline is because the community must adjust to the new air service patterns at IPL, and 

Seaport needed time to negotiate interline agreements with other airlines at BUR and SAN. Additionally 

Seaport needed to fully establish their service hubs at these other airports which proved to be a longer 

process than expected. At this time Seaport has an active interline agreement with Alaska Airlines and is 

negotiating additional opportunities. All three hubs are now working together for smooth customer 

service for both business and leisure travelers. 

As such, it is certain that the passenger performance below US DOT minimum was a temporary decline 

related to the entrance of a new EAS carrier serving new markets from IPL using a new type of aircraft. 

The City of Imperial and the Imperial County region are unified in its support of the Seaport service. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. 

The City of Imperial, like many agencies and organizations, has made Seaport Airlines their first option 

when traveling outside the County. As you evaluate the waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I 

urge you to seriously consider Imperial County Airport's track record over the past several years. We 

request that you grant our airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and 

effectively utilize the EAS subsidy to support the critical air service our region needs. 

Thank you for your consideration. Should you have any questions, please contact the City of Imperial at 

the office of the City Manager, Ms. Marlene Best, (760) 355-4373 or email mbest@cityofimperial.org. 

~------------------------ Geoff Dale 

Mayor 

City of Imperial 

cc. Susan Kurland, Aviation and International Affairs 

Rebecca Terrazas-Baxter, Office of Congressman Juan Vargas, CA-51 

Kevin Schlemmer, Essential Air Service & Domestic Analysis Division 

Jamie Jones, David Turch & Associates 

Marlene Best, City of Imperial 
May 9, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Mayor and 

Council i\Jembers 

Cheryl Viegas-Walker 

Efrain Silva 

Sedalia Sanders 

Jason Jackson 

Alex Cardenas 

Essential Air Service Eligibility Waiver -Imperial County Airport [California] 

Dear Secretary Foxx: 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") is one of 13 airports that were notified by Tentative Order 

by the United States Department of Transportation ("US DOT") on April 24, 2014 that the 

community may lose Essential Air Service (

11EAS"} eligibility because IPL has served fewer 

than ten passengers per day during the year-ended December 31, 2013. Further, the 

Tentative Order indicates that the community needs to "show cause as to why the 

Department of Transportation should not terminate the eligibility of the community under 

the Essential Air Service (EAS) program." 

I urge you to grant a waiver so that IPL does not lose its EAS eligibility on the basis that it is 

a temporary circumstance. IPL's passenger performance has dropped below ten 

passengers per day, however enplanements are improving. 

' i 

The servlce area around IPL was hardfhit by the recession in 2008, but economic and 

demographic trends have improved since. In addition, the EAS airline and routes changed 

in May 2013, and in the short time since the new service has been in place, passenger 

acceptance has built steadily. 

It is important to note that IPL exceeded EAS enplanement minimums iri four of the last 

five fiscal years. In FY 2013, with a new carrier taking over the service in May, IPL fell 

below the ten enplanement threshold, at 9.5 passengers. 

El Centro City Hall 

1275 Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243 (760) 337-4540 Fax (760) 352-6177 
This is a temporary abnormality. The new carrier, SeaPort Airlines, has shared with us its 

five year strategy and commitment to this market. We are confident that enplanements 

will continue to steadily increase as both the economy improves and SeaPort executes its 

marketing strategy. 

IPL is located in Southeastern California bordered by Arizona to the East, San Diego County 

to the West, and Mexico to the South. Even though it is about 114 miles to San Diego, 

road access to the nearest large hub airport to Imperial County is made uniquely more 

challenging than distance alone due to congestion, weather [high winds, snow through the 

mountains], occasional wild fires], and the unpredictably of stationary/fixed border patrol 

traffic stops on all major roadways leading out of the County. This increases the amount of 

time that passengers need to travel to other airports, as well as increases the community's 

reliance on IPL for access to the national and international air transportation network to 

support economic growth in the area. 

The City of El Centro is the County seat and home to several federal and state government 

agencies, such as the Social Security Administration, Employment Development 

Department, Internal Revenue Service, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Land 

Management, and others. Access to IPL for federal and state agencies is critical to control 

personnel travel time/costs. 

IPL is also essential for our community's economic survival. Our unemployment rate 

hovers around twenty-four percent (24%) and our median household income is $38,297 

compared to $61,632 statewide. IPL plays a crucial role in our ability to move potential 

investors in and out of Imperial County to encourage and support economic growth. 

Loss of Essential Air Service in Imperial County will have a devastating impact on our 

already disadvantaged community. For these reasons, we respectfully request that the 

DOT grant a waiver to allow Imperial Valley to continue its participation in the EAS 

program. 

Sincerely, 

c~~-.\~-~~ 

Cheryl Viegas-Walker 

Mayor 

CC: Honorable Congressman Juan Vargas 

Honorable Senator Ben Hueso 

Honorable Assembly Member V. Manuel Perez 

City of El Centro Council Members 

Diane Caldwell, City Clerk 

Ruben A. Duran, City Manager 

Kris Becker, City Attorney 
CITY OF BRAWLEY 

May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT -OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary F oxx, 

ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES 

383 Main Street 

Brawley, CA 92227 

Phone: (760) 351-3048 

FAX: (760) 351-3088 

I write to expres-s the City of Brawley's concerns- with the Department of Transportation's 

Tentative Order to terminate the Ess-ential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California 

located in Imperial County. The City of Brawley urges you to consider the negative economic 

impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the 

first time. 

As you know, the Ess-ential Air Service was put into place to guarantee that small communities, 

including thos-e within the Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. 

Over the last s-everal years-, Imperial County has- experienced the highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, the City urges you to cons-ider the Imperial Valley's track record 

over the last three fiscal years, and as-ks that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of our request. 

Sincerely'! . 

s ·~ ~ ") .... 

. w~~ · ~·t\[A'\}f(Q_ Rosanna B on Moore 

City Manager 

cc: Brawley City Councl 
Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

Firstly I want to take the opportunity to wish you a most successful tenure as Secretary of the US 

Department of Transportation. I vividly remember the meetings we held when you were the Mayor of the 

Queen City, and myself as Consul General of Mexico in the Carolinas, particularly during the National 

Democratic Convention of 2012. 

Today, I write to you in order to convey many opinions that have arisen within the Hispanic population of 

Imperial Valley, in southern California in regard to the decision to terminate the Essential Air Service 

(EAS) program at Imperial County Airport (IPL), located in El Centro, California in Imperial County. Many 

user of the services at IPL", both from the US side, as well as from the neighboring Mexican city of 

Mexicali, Baja California (capital of the Mexican State of Baja California) have commented about the 

negative economic impacts that will ensue. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has an interesting track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its 

service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with 

flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily 

enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements with 

airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport 

has been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships 

with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. 

As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously consider 

Imperial County/EI Centro Airport's track record over the last decade. 1/We request that you grant our 

airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS 

subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs .. 

Again, please accept my friendly and respectful comments which are representative of many users of 

"IPL". 

Finally, I take this opportunity to provide my contact information in eastern southern California 

Sincerely 

408 Heber Avenue, 

Calexico, CA. 92231-2811 

Tels. (760) 357 10 10 Fax:(760) 357 6284 

E-mail: cfloresv@sre.gob.mx 
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA 

ASSOCIATION of 

GOVERNMENTS 

MainOffjce 

818 West Seventh Street 

12th Floor 

Los Angeles, California 

90017-3435 

t (213) 236-1800 

f (213) 236-1825 

www.scag.ca.gov 

Officers 

President 

Carl Morehouse, San Buenaventura 

First Vice President 

Cheryl Viegas-Wa lker, El Centro 

Second Vice President 

Michele Martinez, Santa Ana 

Immediate Past President 

Greg Pettis, Cathedral City 

Executive/Administration 

Committee Chair 

Carl Morehouse, San Buenaventura . 

Policy Committee Chairs 

Community, Economic and 

Human Development 

Margaret Finlay, Duarte 

Energy & Environment 

Deborah Robertson, Rialto 

Transportation 

Alan Wapner, San Bernardino 

Associated Governments 

May 13,2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is writing in support of El 

Centro's appeal to reverse the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in 

Imperial County. 

The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the largest Metropolitan 

Planning Organization (MPO) in the country representing six counties, 191 cities and 

over 18 million residents. SCAG advocates for a sustainable Southern California, while 

enabling dialogue between elected officials, agencies and citizens throughout the 

Region. Imperial County's Regional Council members and SCAG staff regularly utilize the 

flights between Imperial County and the Burbank Airport. 

In 2014, the travel time via single occupancy vehicle between Bob Hope Airport (BUR) 

and the City of El Centro ranges between 213- 265 minutes to travel 225 miles (SCAG 

2012- 2035 Regional Transportation model). While the DOT eligibility is based on 

mileage and even with improvements to the surface transportation network, the driving 

times are long and unpredictable. Flying allows for more productivity. 

In the adopted 2012-2035 Regional Transportation Plan/Sustainable Community 

Strategy (RTP/SCS) the adopted Aviation Element advocates for a decentralized aviation 

system in Southern California that provides airport access across the Region. It is 

forecast Imperial County's population will grow from 180,000 to 270,000 which will yield 

substantial passenger grown at Imperial County Airport by 2035. This growth relies 

upon Imperial County's ability to provide quality education, encourage business growth 

and create good quality jobs in the future. Imperial County has one of the highest 

unemployment rates in the United States. The El Centro EAS service is the only 

reasonable means for Imperial County residents to discover opportunities for a more 

prosperous future. 

SCAG strongly supports. El Centro's request to reverse the Tentative Order Regarding 

Termination of EAS Eligibility for El Centro, CA. 

Sincerely, 

~/hc:Ptb Hasan lkhrata {)d) 

Executive Director 

The Regional Council consists of 86 elected officials representing 191 cities, six counties, six co·unty Transportation Commissions, one representative 

from the Transportation Corridor Agencies, one Tribal Government representative and one representative for the Air Districts within Southern California. 

2014.05.05 printed on recycled paper @ 
July 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

IV IMPERIAL VALLEY ECONOMIC 

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION 

The Imperial Valley Economic Development Corporation (IVEDC) respectfully requests 

the Department of Transportation ("DOT") to reconsider their Final Order to terminate 

the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El 

Centro, California in Imperial County. The negative economic impacts that will occur in 

our local market as a result of the proposed termination of the program and our 

commercial air service will be significant. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS 

programs daily enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have 

dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, 

in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its service as United Express discontinued its 

link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with flights to San Diego and 

Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily enplanement 

threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important 

agreements with airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at 

San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has been working hard to promote its service in the 

Imperial market and establish important relationships with other carriers to maximize 

connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, ·like 

Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to 

the National Transportation System. As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS 

evaluation process, IVEDC urges you to seriously consider Imperial County/EI Centro 

Airport's track record over the last decade. We request that you grant our airport the 

much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the 

EAS subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs .. 

Sincerely, 

Timothy E. Kelley 

President & CEO 

/. 

··::.::~-:::- ;...- '.t-~·: .. 

P.O. BOX 30051 EL CENTRO, CA 922441 P: 760.353.83321 F: 760.353.91491 WWW.IVEDC.COM 
Ralph Cordova, Jr. 

County Executive Officer 

May 21,2014 

From: Ralph Cordova, Jr. 

To: All Department Heads 

Subject: Travel with Seapm 

County Executive Office 

County Administration Center 

940 West Main Street, Suite 208 

Ei Centro, CA 92243-2875 

Telephone: (760) 482-4290 

Fax: (760) 352-7876 

ralphcordova@co. imperial. ca. us 

www.co. imperial. ca. us 

The Imperial Airport is currently being served by Seaport Airlines with scheduled round-trip air 

service to San Diego and Burbank. The existing Essential Air Service funding provided by FAA is in 

jeopardy unless passenger travel from our airport is maintained above a certain level. In order to help 

sustain this vital connection, I am requesting that all county departments strongly consider the use of 

Seaport's service when making out-of~county travel requests. 

Besides the obvious benefit of retaining local passenger air service, there are other reasons to 

utilize the Seaport option. All of our most common travel destinations are readily available from 

connecting flights out of San Diego or Burbank. Flying out of Imperial eliminates the expense of 

driving to San Diego or elsewhere to catch a flight, and parking at our Imperial County Airport is free. 

In addition, Seaport offers very reasonable fares, especially if booked far enough in advance. The use of 

employee's time is another factor- instead of burning up hours driving to San Diego, they can leave 

directly from here. All flight schedule, fare · and reservation information can be viewed· at 

www.seaportair.com. 

A revised Travel Justification form is attached for your use, which includes a question about 

airline selection. · All future travel requests submitted to this office will be scrutinized and may be 

subject to denial if a non-local airline choice is not adequately explained. 

Please distribute this memo to the appropriate personnel in your departments, especially those 

responsible for making travel arrangements. 

Thank you. 
May, 9 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. 

Mr. Foxx I moved to the Imperial Valley in California only a year ago, but I did notice one thing 

almost immediately. The Imperial Valley has one of the highest unemployment rates in the 

country, but this could be changed. At this moment there are solar and wind farms being built in 

the Imperial Valley, and they require skilled laborers. As more solar and wind farms are built, I 

only see this need increasing over time. These skilled laborers are coming in from outside of the 

Imperial Valley at this time, and they need a local airport to service many of their needs. There 

are local businesses in the area that also need a local airport to service their needs too. The 

Imperial Valley is made up of small businesses, and as we all know small businesses are the back 

bone of the American economy. · 

At this time Sea Port Airlines is the only airline servicing the air travel needs of the Imperial 

Valley, which was 5,950 passengers last year. Sea Port Airlines is a small business, and closing 

the Imperial County Airport would cost them the sale of those airline tickets. I am sure that isn't 

a whole lot of money if you compare it with the ticket sales of a much larger airline. It is a lot of 

revenue if you are a small airline like Sea Port. Today I see so many ofthe large airlines merging 

into even bigger airlines, and I feel that is cutting down on competition. We need to help out 

small airlines like Sea Port so that they may grow and become competition to the airline 

giants. The closing of the Imperial County Airport would also affect the other areas and states 

the Sea Port Airlines services, places like Pendleton Oregon, and Athens Georgia. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the 
first time. 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. 

As you prepare your final order, I hope that you consider the Imperial County Airports track 

record over the past few years as well as the economic impact to Sea port Airlines, the other 

airports the service, and the Imperial Valley. Thank you for your time in reading and considering 

my request. 

Sincerely, Aaron Leach 
7 May 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

{-,)PHOENIX 

WuNIFORl\IS 

935 North Imperial Avenue 

El Centro CA 92243 

760-353-9482 

w\nv.uniforms9ll.com 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx: 

I write to express my objection to the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. There will be severe negative economic impacts that occur as a result of the proposed 

termination ofthe program. 

Imperial County Airport has a steady track record of surpassing the EAS program requirements 

put forth by the DOT, as we have dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum in four of the 

· last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County Airport barely fell below 

the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time 

Over the last several years, Imperial County has experienced the highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before terminating a much-needed program in the region. The EAS improves economic growth in 

a region, and our region needs it more than ever. The recent, temporary downturn in 

enplanements is due in part to the change in air carriers, which causes people who use expedia 

and other internet travel planners, to miss the availability of air service into Imperial Airport. I 

myself experienced this same problem shortly after the change in air carriers. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over the 

last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the Department 

of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the desperately-needed Essential Air Service 

program currently in effect at tlie Imperial County Airport. Also, the lost time & expense traveled 

by passengers who will have to use the San Diego airport (a 350-mile round trip), and the extra 

greenhouse gasses polluting the environment produced by all those extra car trips, are not 

considered in your proposed Termination Order. Please rescind the Tentative Order to 

Terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California. 

Very Truly Yours, 

Bill DuBois 

El Centro CA 
May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S; Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impact that may occur as a result of the 

proposed termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements. put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the 

first time. 

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 highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all 

factors before terminating a much-needed program in the region: 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request 

Since~~ 

cf2~/ Fidel Gonzalez 

President/CEO 

BRAWLEY OFFICE: 

I 409 w. Main st: 

I Brawley, CA 92227 

1 (760) 351-2988 

EL CENTRO OFFICE: 

I 1602 W. Main St. 

I P.O. Box 3247 

1 El Centro, CA 92243 I 92244 

I (760) 352,1540 

www.ficu.com 

CALEXICO OFFICE: 

12534 Rockwood Ave. Unit 1-A 

I Calexico, CA 92231 

I (760) 357-5117 
I I 

Soi-:Q:-orchard 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

Farmlng the Sun 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT") Final 

Order to terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport r'IPL") 

located in El Centro, California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic 

impacts that will occur in our local market as a result of the prqposed termination of the 

program and our commercial air service. 

Imperial County Airport nPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs 

daily enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically 

exceeded the enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a 

major disruption to its service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines 

replaced the operation with flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling 

slightly below the ten daily enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first 

time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements 

with airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and 

Burbank. Seaport has been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and 

establish important relationships with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial 

County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National 

Transportation System. As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge 

you to seriously consider Imperial County/EI Centro Airport's track record over the last decade. 

1/We request that you grant our airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can 

successfully and effectively utilize the EAS subsidy to support the critical air service our market 

needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Very truly yours, 

,.)eff e. ~rothers 

By: _______ _ 

Jeff E. Brothers, President 

SOL ORCHARD, LLC 

2435 Marshall Road, Imperial CA 92251 
I IllS 1.1 R A Ill C E i liM l'.t Q YEo I! EM E fIT .1$ 

May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC '20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of. 

the proposed termination of the program~ 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the 

Imperial County Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 

enplanements for the first time. 

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 highest 

unemployment rate in the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic 

growth, and consider all factors before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

.... "/{'- \ \ 

David M. Tyler 

1225 W. Main Street El Centro CA 92243 I www.tylerins.com I {760) 352·2611 I Fox (760) 337-8428 1 License No. 0226696 
Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT -OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

Comity. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result ofthe 

proposed termination ofthe program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9,5 enplanements for the 

first time. 

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 highest ur1employment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Sincerely, 

~o.kAssociate 

Marisa Quinzi~ Attorney Es~ Plourd and Breeze, APC 

1005 W. State Street 

El Centro, CA 92243 

Tel: 760-352-3130 

Fax: 760-352-4763 
The Best Oldies On The Radio 

May 91 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U. S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue/ SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx1 

Station: 

420 Main St. 

El Centro, CA 92243 

(760) 352-1230 

Mailing: 

P. 0. Box 140 

Er Centro, CA 92244 

I'm writing to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

· County. I can't urge you enough to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as 

a result of the proposed termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track recorp of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in Fiscal Year 2013, 

the Imperial County Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 

enplanements for the first time. 

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 experienc~d the highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all 

factors before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Rna! Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

~4t- Gene P. Brister Y I 

President/General Manager 

-

KXO AM1230/FM 107.5 Radio 

E-mail: kxoamfm@kxoradio.com • www.kxoradio.com 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY 
Burgers 

& Beer® 

The Best Burger In Town 

May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony F oxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

Main Office 

260 Imperial Avenue 

El Centro, Ca!i!omia 92243 

(7@) 337-5788 - Ollicc 

(760) 353-4431 

(760) 337-5663 FAX 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the 

proposed termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airp01t has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the govemment, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four ofthe last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the 

first time. 

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 highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Sincerely, 

t!<-J 1/JJ 

Kurt Honold I President 

Burgers and Beer 

ELCENTRO 

{760) 353-4431 

LV. MALL 

(760) 353-0007 

RANCHO l\HRAGE 

(760) 202-4522 

YUMA 

(928) 783-3987 
Burgers 

& Beer® 

The Best Burger ln To'tlm 

May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT -OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary F oxx, 

i\'lain Oftke 

260 Imperial Avenue 

El Ccntm, Cnlifornia 92243 

(760) 337-5788- Office 

(760) 353-4431 

(760) 337-5663 FAX 

I wTite to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in E1 Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the 

proposed termination ofthe program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the 

first time. 

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 highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

SH 

Jatme Honold I Vice President 

Burgers and Beer 

ELCE:-iTRO 

(760) 353-4431 

LV. MALL 

(760) 353-0007 

R4.NCHO MlRAGE 

(760) 202-4522 

Yli:VIA 

(928) 783-3987 
.e- ,. ' ' 

flltWAfl\.i'5 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Re; DOCKET DOT -OST 2008-0299 

Dear Secretary F oxx, 

May 13,2014 

I am writing this letter to express our severe concerns with the Department of 

Transportation's Tentative Order to tenninate the Essential Air Service ("EAS") program in El 

Centro, California located in Imperial County. We, therefore. strongly request that you rescind 

the Tentative Order. 

8minutenergy Renewables, LLC is one the largest solar developers in the State of California. 

Imperial County is the area where we have our largest presence. Therefore, effective andrapid 

means of transportation are essential for our business and tor the local economy. The local 

airport was a significant factor in making our decision to develop in Imperial County. 

To put into perspective our economic presence in Imperial County, since 2009 our projects 

have contributed approximately $40 million to the local economy in the form of payments to the 

local governmental agencies, employment wages, and Land acquisition tor the multiple 

development projects. We are about to spend an additional $20 million for a project that we plan 

to start construction late this year. In addition, we are planning on commencing construction on 

a second project that would be a l 00 MW solar fann late this year. The l 00 MW solar fann has 

a construction cost of approximately $200 million. The construction costs provide a direct and 

indirect benefit to the local economy. 

Further, we believe that the termination of the EAS may be in violation of the National 

Environmental Policy Act and contrary to the department's principle ofEnvironme1Hal Justice. 

"Each Federal agency shall make achieving environmental justice part of its mission by 

identij}·ing and addressing. . .. disproportionately high and adverse ... environmental 

effects of its programs . .. on minori~v population.·· 

We, therefore, request for you to rescind the Tentative Order because to tenninate the EAS 

would disproportionately impact Imperial County's minority population by eliminating their 

opportunity to having adequate means of air travel and severely handicap the local economy. 

5455 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1010. Los Angcks. CA !J003o 1 (323)525-ll'lOO t Fax: (3101424-71111 www,8minutcncrgy.com 
207 West Legion Road, Brawley, CA 9?227 voice 760.35! .333J fax 760.344.4401 

June 30, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washin~ton, DC 20590 

Pear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department ofTransportation's ("DOT") Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El Centro, 

California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that will occur in 

our local market as a result ofthe proposed termination ofthe program and our commercial air service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL"} has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirement established bythe government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its 

service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with 

flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily 

enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time: 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements with 

airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has 

been working hard to .promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships 

with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. 

As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously consider 

Imperial County/EI Centro Airport's track record over the last decade.I/We request that you grant our 

airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS 

subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs. 

Thank you for your tiine and consideration of my request. 

larry Lewis, CEo· 

.Pioneers Memorial Hospital 

LL/eb 

Personally. \Ve C,He For You 
June 26,2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department ofTransportation's ("DOT") 

Final Order to terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County 

Airport ("IPL'') located in El Centro, California in Imperial County. I urge you to · 

consider the negative economic impacts that will occur in our local market as a result of 

the proposed termination of the program and our commercial air service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS 

programs daily enplanement requirernent established by the government, as they have 

dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in 

FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its service as United Express discontinued its 

link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with flights to San Diego and 

Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily enplanement 

threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important 

agreements with airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San 

Diego and Burbank. Seaport has been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial 

market and establish important relationships with other carriers to maximize connections 

for travelers. 

This Air Service program is essential to our area in that we use it frequently to assist us 

in providing safety net medical services along the border areas in the dese11 of 

California. This was developed to guarantee small communities, like In1perial County, 

ability to continue the service by certificated air carriers and have access to the National 

Transportation System. As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation 

process, I urge you to grant Otlr airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it 

can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS subsidy to support the critical air service 

our market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Chief Executive Officer 
fOOD 

~ BANK 

May 9, 2014 

329 Applestill Road • El Centro, CA 92243 

(760) 370-0966 • info@ivfoodbank.org 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington,'DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT -OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx; 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of 

the proposed termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the· 

enplanement minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the 

Imperial County Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 

enplanements for the first time due to the change in the mandated air carrier that occurred in 

2013. 

There are extenuating circumstances that have led to the decline in enplanements. The 

uncertainty of the air carrier change from United based SkyWest to Seaport Airlines, which 

occurred in May of 2013, has been a difficult and unpopular transition. The change in timing 

(SkyWest service was extended for two months after its original announcement) in aircraft 

carriers and the learning curve for local user of the airport to transition to purchasing tickets 

from a system that was not linked to any major aircraft. carrier was cumbersome and 

unfortunate. To this day, those who fly from Imperial to San Diego have to leave the commuter 

terminal and go through security again before they can fly to their real destinations. Many local 

people have simply opted notto use this service. The uncertainty of the timing needed 

between flights is too risky to leave it to chance. If the Imperial County community had never 

had SkyWest previously, and known the convenience of flying directly to LAX with the ease of 

changing planes to anywhere in the world, then Seaport might be an adequate airline. 

It is my understanding that your office made the decision to change from SkyWest to Seaport 

Airlines as the mandated carrier at the Imperial County Airport. It is unfair that less than one 

year after that decision was made, our local community and economy are being punished for 

this decision by a threat to discontinue service. We are a resilient community and we will adjust 

1 
fOOD 

~ BANK 

329 Applestill Road • El Centro, CA 92243 

(760) 370-0966 • info@ivfoodbank.org 

to Seaport airlines, but we will need more time to raise the .5 enplanements needed for your 

criteria. 

The El Centro Airport is crucial to a number of key industries in Imperial County. The 

alternative energy market is essential to the economic growth of the county. Our solar, wind 

and geothermal facilities are visited frequently by the national corporation representatives that 

run these facilities and those who are interested in building more facilities in a county blessed · 

with 360 days of sunshine a year. Our agricultural community represents 33% of our county's 

economic engine. Key leaders form the Ag industry serve on elected boards and committees 

both in Sacramento and Washington and need the ability to get to those places quickly and 

efficiently. Many Imperial County residents are important leaders in their fields. Education, 

Government, Medical and non-profit leaders, like myself, require the ability to get to 

Sacramento an_d national conference locations without adding an extra day oftravel on to the 

front and back ends of trips. . 

The Imperial County houses one of the strategic training facilities for Homeland Security's 

Border Patrol and operates from that base a large patrol area along the Mexican Border. The 

Naval Air Facility El Centro is also a strategic training facility for aircraft carrier fighter pilots 

and helicopter training. The elimination of the Imperial County Airport would affect other 

government bureaus and departments in very negative ways . 

. 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 highest unemployment rate 

in the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all 

factors before terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last five fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left' should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

It is truly essentiaL 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Sincerely, . 

t:r~ Sara Griffen 

Executive Director 

Imperial Valley Food Bank 

2 
lmpBtial VaiiRy RBgional Occupational Ptogtarn 

Preparing Stl!deltts For Work: 

lfs Our Business 

May 8, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

687 State Street • El Centro, California 92243 

(760) 482-2600 • Fax (760) 482-2750 

www.ivrop.org 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary F oxx, 

Edwin P. Obergfell 

SuperiJtfeftdettt 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, Califomia located in Imperial 

CounLy. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the 

proposed termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airpoti has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

reqitirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the lniperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the 

first time. 

As you know, the Essential Air Service was put into place to guarantee that small comn:mnities 

including those ·within the Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. 

Over the last several years: Imperial County has experienced the highest tmeinployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal govenm1ent should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before terminating a much-needed program in region. 

As ynu prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service . program currently m effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank: you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Accredited by Western Association of Schools and Co/leges 
u~ 

of 

& VISITORS BUREAU 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

1095 South 4th Street 

Post Office Box 3006 

E! Centro, CA 92244 - 3006 

(760) 352-3681 

Fax (760) 352-3246 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT") Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El 

Centro, California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that will 

occur in our local market as a result of the proposed termination of the program and our commercial air 

service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to 

its service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation 

with flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily 

enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements with 

airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has 

been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships 

with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. 

As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously consider 

Imperial County/El Centro Airport's track record over the last decade. I!We request that you grant our 

airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS 

subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

t\ \\ 

Jaime Honold 

President, Board of Directors 

"Where the Sun Spends the vVinter"® 

www.e!centrochamber.com 
u~ 

erof mmerce 

& VISITORS BUREAU 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

1095 South 4th Street 

Post Office Box 3006 

El Centro, CA 92244-3006 

(760) 352-3681 

Fax (760) 352-3246 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT") Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El 

Centro, California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that will 

occur in our local market as a result of the proposed termination of the program and our commercial air 

service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to 

its service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation 

with flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily 

enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the marketand important agreements with 

airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has 

been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships 

with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. 

As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously consider 

Imperial County/El Centro Airport's track record over the last decade. I!We request that you grant our 

airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS 

subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request; 

~-- Darletta D. Willis 

Chief Executive Officer 

"Where the Sun Spends the tVinter"® 

www.etcentrochamber.com 
CALEXICO 

Chamber Of Commerce 

June 30, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington; DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT'') Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El 

Centro, California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that will 

occur in our local market a<; a result of the proposed termination of the program and our commercial air 

service. 

Jniperial County Airport ('•IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirementestablished by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimumover the last deCade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its 

service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with 

flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily 

enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements with 

airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has 

been wo:ddng hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationShips with 

other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service progr1Wl was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National TranSportation System. 

As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriou5ly consider 

Imperial County/El Centro Airport's track record over the last decade.I!We request that you grant our 

airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS 

subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs. 

Cc: Board File 

1100 Imperial Avenue · P. 0. Box 948 ·Calexico. CA 92231 · (760) 357-1166 · (760) 562-4435 • calexicochamber@hotmail.com 

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May 8, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my deep concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial County. 

I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed 

termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first 

time. 

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 highest unemployment rate in the 
nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors before 

terminating a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over the 

last three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the Department 

bf Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air Service program 

currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request on behalf of the entire County of Imperial. 

Sincerely, 

Gregory Siota 

Chief Executive Officer 

Imperial Chamber of Commerce 
--·--·------·--·--------------- 101 WEST fiFTH STREE"i" • HOLTV!I~LE, C'A 92250 • (760) 356·2823 • FAX {:foOl 358-2925 

Secretary Anthony Foxx _ 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT') Final 

Order to terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") 

located in El Centro,. California in Imperial County. I uige you to consider the negative 

economic impacts that will occur in our local market as a result of the proposed termination of 

the program and our commercial air service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL ") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs 

daily enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically 

exceeded the enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a 

major disruption to its service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport 

Airlines replaced the operation with flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL 

falling slightly below the ten daily enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first 

time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements 

with airlines that support smooth coimections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. 

Seaport has been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish 

important relationships with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial. 

County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National 

Transportation System. As you ·evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge 

you to seriously consider Imperial County/El Centro Airport's track record over the last decade. I 

request that you grant our airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully 

and effectively utilize the EAS subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

/ 

,-.,i:'If6 r-. J: . •J J ~ I If -1/.. ,f-.~~:!:~- C -'/.Ai!tri'ic;;n.. f"lr.e:W;ui'l/ - Ju.t-4 ~ .Z<>I;J ~..{~"-..; ~ r if ' ...... 

,<~·~·~~J THE CARROT 

{',\. ~ CAPITAL ~·..,. ~ -1 

/<._,~\ OFTHE 

,f ~ WORLD I) 

~ 
July 2, 2014 

The Honorable Anthony Foxx 

Secretary of Transpmtation 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Mr. Secretary: 

I write on behalf of the Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority ("BGPAA'') to express our 

disappointment with the Department of Transportation's Final Order terminating the Essential Air Service 

("EAS"} subsidy at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") in El Centro, California. The BGPAA mges you to 

consider the entirety of fPL's history in the EAS program. 

IPL has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program's daily enplanement requirement, 

having dramatically and consistently exceeded the enplanement minimum over the last decade. 

Unfottunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its service because United Express discontinued 

operations to LAX. Although Seaport Airlines replaced that operation with flights to Bob Hope Airport 

in Burbank and to San Diego International Airport, this disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten 

daily enplanement tlu·eshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to any new airline's success is development of a brand in the market and execution of interline 

agreements with other air carriers to facilitate smooth connections of passengers and bags. Seaport has 

been working extremely hard to promote its service in the Imperial Cmmty market and to consummate 

contracts with other air caniers to maximize connections for travelers at Bob Hope Airp01t and San Diego 

International Airpoti. 

As you know, the EAS program was developed to ensure that small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by cettificated air carriers and have access to the National Transpottation System. 

When you evaluate IPL's waiver application, the BGPAA urges you to give significant weight to IPL's 

track record over the last decade. We respectfully request that you grant IPL a waiver so that it can 

continue its remarkably successful utilization of the EAS subsidy to suppmt the critical air service that the 

Imperial County market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of our request. 

Sin~ereJ?, . c._ -

f/? /cf~/~~· ~ A "'ifa.~ Feger 

Executive Director · 

cc: Commissioners, Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport Authority. 

2627 Hollywood Way • Burbank, California 91505 " (818) 840-8840 • Fax: (818) 848-1173 
SAN DIEGO COUNTY 

REGIONAL AIRPORT AUTHORITY 

P.O. BOX 82776. SAN DIEGO. CA 92138-2776 

619.400.2400 "w'W\1/.SAN.ORG 

July 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx: 

I write to express my regret with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT") Final Order to terminate the Essential 

Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El Centro, California. I urge you to consider a 

waiver for Imperial given its strong historical enplanement figures and its recent unique economic circumstances. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a consistently strong track record of surpassing the EAS program's daily 

enplanement requirement established by the government. IPL has dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum 

ov&r the last decade. Regrettably, due to the recession and issues related to the transition to a new EAS provider, 

en~lanements have fallen slightly below the ten daily enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanernents per day for 

the first time. 

We believe there will be improvement in the enplanement numbers for Imperial in the coming year. It would be 

re~rettable if EAS funding were discontinued just as the new service began to grow and stimulate the market. 

Seaport has been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships 

wilh other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

Several factors argue in favor of a waiver for Imperial: 

• Imperial was extremely hard-hit by the recession, in fact its unemployment rate was among the highest in 

the nation during this period. The fact that it was able to maintain the most enplanements of the EAS 

markets in question during a period of extreme economic hardship is laudable. 

• The airline that has invested in the San Diego- Imperial route has taken concrete steps to increase 

ridership including upgrades to its reservation system and conclusion of interline agreements. The total 

anticipated benefits from these upgrades to the Imperial route have not yet been realized. 

IFL is exactly the historically strong market the Essential Air Service program was developed to help nurture. It is 

essential that Imperial County continue to be served by Seaport Airlines and have access to the National 

Tansportation System. As you evaluate the waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously 

consider IPL's track record over the last decade. We request you grant Imperial a waiver so that it can continue to 

electively utilize the EAS subsidy. We look forward to a favorable response from the department in the coming 

v.eeks.- · 

lllella F. Bowens 

Resident I CEO 

Sln Diego County Regional Airport Authority 

SAN DIEGO 

INTERNATIONAL 

AIRPORT 
207 West Legion Road, Brawley, CA 92227 voice 760.35!.3333 fax 760.344-4401 

He.ab.ka.reDistrict 

June 30, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department ofTransportation's ("DOT") Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El Centro, 

California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that will. occur in 

our local market as a result of the proposed termination of the program and our commercial air service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its 

service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with 

flights to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily 

enplanement threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the new airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements with 

airlines that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has 

been working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships 

with other carriers to maximize connections for travelers. 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County, 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. 

As you evaluate the Waiver phase of the EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously consider 

Imperial County/EI Centro Airport's track record over the last decade. 1/We request that you grant .our 

airport the much needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS 

subsidy to support the critical air service our market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Larry Lewis, CEO 

Pioneers Memorial Hospital 

LL/eb 

Personally, \'Ve Care For You 
IMPERIAL VAllEY COLLEGE 

Serving Imperial County 

PO Box 158, Imperial, CA 92251-0158 760.355.6219 

July 3, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

Phone 760.355.6219 

Fax 760.355.6461' 

www.imperial.edu 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 · 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

Imperial Community College District 

Board of Trustees 

Jerry D. Hart 

Karla A. Sigmond 

Rudy Cardenas, 'Jr. 

Romua!do J. Medina 

Steven M. Taylor 

Louis Wong 

Juanita Salas 

superintendent/President 

Victor ~1. Jaime, Ed.D. 

victor .jaime@imperial.edu 

I write to express my disappointment with the Department of Transportation's ("DOT"} Final Order to 

terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program at Imperial County Airport ("IPL") located in El Centro, 

California in Imperial County. I urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that wiil occur in our local 

market as a result of the proposed termination of the program and our commercial air service. 

Imperial County Airport ("IPL") has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS programs daily 

enplanement requirement established by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the 

enplanement minimum over the last decade. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, IPL had a major disruption to its 

service as United Express discontinued its link to LAX and Seaport Airlines replaced the operation with flights 

to San Diego and Burbank. This disruption led to IPL falling slightly below the ten daily enplanement 

threshold, reaching 9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

Key to the riew airlines success is developing a brand in the market and important agreements with airlines 

that support smooth connections of passengers and bags at San Diego and Burbank. Seaport has been 

working hard to promote its service in the Imperial market and establish important relationships with other 

carriers to maximize connections for travelers, 

The Essential Air Service program was developed to guarantee small communities, like Imperial County·,· 

continue to be served by certificated air carriers and have access to the National Transportation System. As 

you evaluate the Waiver phase of ~he EAS evaluation process, I urge you to seriously consider Imperial 

County/EI Centro Airport's track reGard over the last decade. INVe request that you grant our airport the much 

needed waiver it deserves to prove it can successfully and effectively utilize the EAS subsidy to support the 

critical air service our market needs. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Should you have any questions, please contact me at 760-355-6219. 

Sincerely, 

Viet . ::J rrn'', Ed. D. 

Superint tiPresident of Imperial Valley College 
PERIAL 

UNTY 

FICE OF 

DUCATION 1398 SPERBER ROAD • EL CENTRO. CALIFORNIA 92243 • (760) 312-6464 • FAX (760) 312-6565 

ANNE J. MALLORY 

SUPERINTENDENT 

May 7, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S.Department ofTransportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 · 

RE: Docket DOT -OST -2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

Anne J Mallory. Superintendent 

I write to express my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to terminate the 

Essential Air Service (BAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial County. Iurge you to 

consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed termination ofthe 

program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program requirements 

put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum in four of the 

last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County Airport barely fell below the ten 

enplanement threshold, by reaching 9:5 enplanements for the first time. 

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 highest unemployment rate in the nation. Our federal 

government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors before terminating a muchneeded program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over the last 

three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the Department of 

Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the much-needed Essential Air Service program currently in 

effect at the Imperial County Airport.· 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Sincerely, 

Sharon Anderholt Alicia Armenta 

County Board of Education 

Sabrina C. Barber Annette Buttner Susan E. Manger 
Ma~ 09 2014 9:04PM US POSTAL#SERVICE 

" 

May 9, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT ·OST -2008..0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

I write to ~xpress my concerns with the Department of Transportation's Tentative Order to 

tenn!nate, me Essential Air Service (EAS) program in El Centro, California located in Imperial 

County. I urge you ro consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the 

proposed termination of the program,, 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program 

requirements put forth by the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement 

minimum in four of the last .five fiscal years. Unfortunately, ln FY 2013, the Imperial County 

Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 9.5 enpianements for 1he 

first time. 

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 ~arriers. 

Over the last several years, Imperial County has experienced the highest unemployment rate in 

the nation. Our federal government should encourage economic growth, and consider all factors 

before termlnafing a much-needed program in the region. 

As you prepare the Final Order, I urge you to consider the Imperial Valley's track record over 

the IaBt three fiscal years, and ask that you consider the void that will beJeft should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to tenninate the much-needed Essential Air 

Service program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Since~ly, rJ,... 0 ~ 

\.~L~tli...CJ.LL,- 1 l 

Diahna Garda-Ruiz · U 

Board Member, Heber Public Utility District 
Heber Public Utility District 

May 23,2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

1078 Dogwood Rd., Suite 103 • P. 0. Box H 

Heber, CA 92249 

TEL (760) 482-2440 • FAX (760) 353-9951 

www. heber.ca.gov 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST 2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx; 

Heber Public Utility District serves residents and businesses in the community of Heber in the 

Imperial County. As elected officials of this Special District, the Board unanimously decided to 

authorize this letter written in opposition to the Department of Transportations' Tentative 

Order to terminate the Essential Air Services (EAS) program in El Centro, California located 

in Imperial County. We urge you to consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as 

a result of the proposed termination of the program. 

The Essential Air Service was put into place to guarantee that small communities, including those 

like Heber, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. Over the past several years the 

Imperial County has experience some of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, and the 

community of Heber is considered a severely disadvantage community according to the State 

standards. We need more jobs and economic benefits, and we urge you to consider the impacts 

to families in the Imperial County, and ask that you consider the void that will be left should the 

Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the Essential Air Service program in 

the Imperial County. 

On behalf of the Heber Public Utility District Board of Directors, we thank you for your time and 

consideration of our request. 

Sincerely, 

~~~ General Manager 

Cc: HPUD Board 

Senator Hueso 

Heber Public Utility District is an equal opportunity provider and employer 
May 12,2014 

I 

IMPERIAL COUNTY 

TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION 

1405 N. IMPERIAL AVE., SUITE I 

EL CENTRO, CA 92243-2875 

PHONE: (760) 592-4494 

FAX: (760) 592-4497 

The Honorable Anthony Foxx, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey A venue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

RE: Docket DOT-OST-2008-0299 

Dear Secretary Foxx, 

On behalf of the Imperial County Transportation Commission, I write to request reconsideration of the Department of 

Transportations' Tentative Order to terminate the Essential Air Service (EAS) program in E1 Centro, California located 

in Imperial County. Please consider the negative economic impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed 

termination of the program. 

The Imperial County Airport has a tremendous track record of surpassing the EAS program requirements put forth by 

the government, as they have dramatically exceeded the enplanement minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. 

Unfortunately, in FY 2013, the Imperial County Airport barely fell below the ten enplanement threshold, by reaching 

9.5 enplanements for the first time. 

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 certified air carriers. Over the last several years, Imperial County has and 

continues to experience one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation. It is also important to note that 23% of 

our County population lives below the poverty level (U.S. Census Bureau, 2012). The EAS program is vital to our 

economy, please consider all factors before terminating a much-needed program in the region.-

As you prepare the Final Order, please also consider the Imperial Valley's track record over the last three fiscal years. 

Please consider the void that will be left should the Department of Transportation ultimately decide to terminate the 

much-needed EAS program currently in effect at the Imperial County Airport. 

Thank you for your time and consideration of my request. 

Sincerely, 

Executive Director 

CITIES OF BRA WLEV, CALEXICO, CALIPATRIA, EL CENTRO, HOLTVILLE, IMPERIAL, WESTMORLAND, IMPERIAL 

. IRRIGATION DISTRICT AND COUNTY OF IMPERIAL 

T: Projects\lCTC Correspondence\support letter-EAS E! Centro 
liD 

A century of service. 

May 14, 2014 

Secretary Anthony Foxx 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary F oxx: 

RE: Dock~t DOT-OST-2008·0299 

www.iid.com 

On behalf of Imperial Irrigation District, I write to express our concern with the Department 

of Transportation's Tentative Order to terminate the Essential Air Service program in El 

Centro, California. 

liD is the largest irrigation district in the nation and the third largest publicly owned power 

provider in the state of California. liD is a fiscally responsible public agency whose mission 

it is to provide reliable, efficient and affordably priced water and energy service to the 

communities we serve. The district is governed by an elected Board of Directors whose 

primary duty is to serve the public, and as a public-service agency, we urge you to give your 

highest consideration to this request. 

As you are already aware, the EAS program was put in place to guarantee that small 

communities, like Imperial County, continue to be served by certificated air carriers. Imperial 

County Airport has a record of surpassing the EAS program requirements by exceeded the 

enplanement minimum in four of the last five fiscal years. Unfortunately, in FY 2013, 

Imperial County Airport fell just short of the ten enplanement threshold for the first time. 

Before you finalize your order, we urge you to take into consideration the airport's positive 

track record over the last three years while also evaluating the negative economic and 

social impact to our local communities if the EAS program were to end. · 

Thank you for your consideration of the district's views on this matter. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin E. Kelley 

General Manager 

cc: Congressman Juan Vargas 

Congressman Raul Ruiz 

IMPERIAL IRRIGATION DISTRICT • OPERATING HEADQUARTERS • P.O. BOX 937 • IMPERIAL, CA 92251