Proposal of

Fayetteville Regional Airport

Under the

Small Community Air Service Development Program

Docket: DOT‐OST‐2010‐0124

Legal Sponsor:  Fayetteville Regional Airport – City of Fayetteville, North Carolina

Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number:  040031700

2‐digit Congressional district code:  07

August 27, 2010
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

Table of Contents

SECTION    PAGE

Executive Summary    1

Overview of the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region    2

Air Service Profile    6

Air Service Development Efforts    10

Previous Small Community Program Grant – 2003    14

Air Service Needs    15

Strategic Plan    19

Air Service Plan Implementation    21

Appendix A: Required Summary Information   

Appendix B: Letters of Support
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

1

Executive Summary

Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) is ideally positioned to serve travelers in an eleven‐county region of

North Carolina which includes the U.S. Army’s Fort Bragg.  The Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region is currently

experiencing accelerated growth due to increased activity at Fort Bragg – the region’s primary economic

engine and one of the world’s largest military complexes.  With this growth comes an acute need for

additional air services at FAY, particularly to the Washington, DC area.   

Demand for nonstop Fayetteville‐Washington, DC air service is being driven by mission growth at Fort

Bragg related to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process.  Under BRAC, Fort Bragg will add

thousands of military and civilian personnel over the next few years.  Of particular note, the U.S. Army

Forces Command (FORSCOM) and the U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC) will transfer from Atlanta’s

Fort McPherson to Fort Bragg by September 2011.   

FORSCOM and USARC are comprised of senior military decision‐makers, including the 4‐star command

structure.  In fact, once the BRAC transfer is complete, there will be more Generals stationed at Fort

Bragg than anywhere in the world other than the Pentagon.  The addition of these important units will

substantially increase the number of trips between Fort Bragg and Washington, DC both by the military

and companies doing business with the Department of Defense.

While Fayetteville Regional Airport is the airport of choice for travelers in the Fayetteville‐Washington,

DC market, the lack of nonstop air service in this market forces them to either drive 6 hours each way or

fly via alternative airports.  These options are neither efficient nor economical and present substantial

obstacles to maximizing the economic potential of the BRAC process in the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg

Region.

After commissioning studies by expert aviation consultants regarding a nonstop Fayetteville‐

Washington, DC service, the airport and its regional partners are convinced that the service is both

necessary and viable.  Further, initial discussions with target airlines related to the potential service have

been encouraging.  However, with the BRAC‐related moves nearing, it is imperative that an airline

commitment for serving the market be secured soon.   

A Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) grant from the Department of Transportation

would complement the strong and sustained commitment of local organizations to attract nonstop

Washington, DC air service.  SCASD grant funds would be used to aggressively promote the new service

at FAY, thereby ensuring traveler awareness and support of the service.  Ultimately, these factors would

reduce an airline’s market‐entry risk and increase the likelihood of a near‐term commitment by an

airline to initiate nonstop service in the important Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market.

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

2

Overview of the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region

The Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region is one of the fastest growing and economically stable regions in the

Southeastern United States.  In 2009, the Fayetteville MSA was ranked 31st of the Top 200 Best

Performing Cities by the Miliken Institute.  The Fayetteville metro area per capita income was $40,917 in

2009, up 4.8% from 2008 compared to an average decline of 2.8% in the United States.    

The Fort Bragg Region is comprised of the City of Fayetteville and an 11 county area surrounding the

post (see Exhibit 1).  Fayetteville serves as the Region’s hub for shopping, dining, services, lodging,

health care and entertainment.  As the major economic engine for the region, Fort Bragg contributes an

estimated $4.1 billion in economic impact and generates retail sales of over $2 billion in Cumberland

County.

Exhibit 1:  The Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region

and identify community impacts as U.S. Forces Command and U.S. Army Reserve 

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Fort Bragg  

Fort Bragg is one of the largest and busiest military complexes in the world.  It is home to almost 10

percent of the Army’s active component forces.   There are approximately 52,600 military and 20,400

civilian personnel working at Fort Bragg.    

Fort Bragg is the “Home of the Airborne and Special Operations Forces”

 XVIII Airborne Corps

 82nd Airborne Division

 U.S. Army Special Operations Command

 U.S. Army Parachute Team (Golden Knights)

   

Regional Impact of Defense Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC)

Military Command Structure and BRAC Regional Task Force

Beginning in March 2011, U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Reserve Command

(USARC) will move from Atlanta’s Fort McPherson to Fort Bragg. FORSCOM/USARC Headquarters will

transfer approximately 3,000 positions to Fort Bragg, adding to the 73,000 personnel working at the Fort

today.   Among those relocating to Fort Bragg will be senior decision makers, including the 4 star

command structure, that decide how to organize and equip the U.S. Army both active duty and reserve

personnel.   These two Commands manage more than $30 billion of the Department of Defense budget

annually.

To coordinate the BRAC process, a BRAC Regional Task Force (BRAC RTF) was formed.  BRAC RTF

represents the eleven counties, the City of Fayetteville and 73 municipalities within the region.   BRAC

RTF’s mission is to coordinate planning and to identify community impacts of BRAC as FORSCOM and

USARC move to Fort Bragg in 2011.

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Population

Based on a BRAC RTF study, the total population for all the eleven affected counties is expected to grow

to 1.04 million by 2013, an increase of approximately 54,000 residents from the 2009 population of

986,000.  This growth will be the direct result of job creation and significant military construction

spending.  While total population of in the eleven‐county region would grow significantly without the

BRAC initiatives, expansion at Fort Bragg is expected to lead to even higher population growth.

Work Force  

The military market will demand a high skilled workforce to meet its high tech requirements.   The job

growth will exceed 16,000 as a result of the BRAC process.   This direct and indirect job growth includes:

 4,024 active‐duty military jobs;  

 2,146 military civilian jobs;  

 1,972 embedded contractor jobs;  

 1,000 private defense contractors; PLUS

 7,044  jobs will be created in the local economy to support increased population and military

spending.

Regional Business Community

A diverse mix of businesses in the logistics, pharmaceutical, defense, communications, manufacturing

and agricultural sectors are located in the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region.   Among the major

corporations represented in the region are:
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Fayetteville Tourism  

“America’s Hometown ‐ History, Heroes, A Hometown Feeling”

Fayetteville is at the center of the eleven‐county Fort Bragg Region.  In 2009, tourism expenditures in

the Region exceeded $1.1 billion.   

Fayetteville and the surrounding region are magnets for those seeking to enjoy its many leisure

activities.   With over 750 miles of themed driving trails, it’s safe to say America’s Hometown is steeped

in history. Whether exploring the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens on the All‐American Adventure trail,

browsing the Fayetteville Museum of Art on the Patri‐Arts & Gardens trail or witnessing a parachute

jump at Fort Bragg on the Patriots: Past & Present trail, Fayetteville/Cumberland County has the perfect

route planned for whatever your interest might be.

Fayetteville and Cumberland County have a rich military history dating from the Revolutionary War to

today, notably including the founding of Fort Bragg.  The various sites spread throughout the county

provide insight into our rich and proud military heritage.  These sites span the history of the United

States from the Revolutionary War‐era; Civil War‐era and to today’s Modern Military History.

Fayetteville is also home to the Crown Center – southeastern North Carolina’s premier venue for

entertainment events, conventions and meetings.  The Crown Center houses five venues capable of

accommodating a variety of events.  The venues include the Crown Coliseum, the Crown Theatre, the

Crown Exposition Center, the Crown Arena and the Crown Ballroom.

The main tourist attractions and sporting activities of the Fayetteville Region are prime drivers of

economic development and demand for air service.   Washington, DC is a major inbound market

targeted by regional tourism groups.   Nonstop service to the Washington, DC region would expand the

opportunities to grow the tourism and convention and meeting market in the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg

Region.

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Air Service Profile

Historical Air Service at FAY

Fayetteville Regional Airport has experienced steady growth in passenger enplanements since 2005.  

Between 2005 and 2009, enplanements at FAY grew by approximately 78,000 passengers – equal to a 51

percent increase (see Exhibit 2).  In 2009 alone, the Airport added 30,000 enplanements over the prior

year at a time when many airports were experiencing negative growth.  The Airport’s consistent,

positive passenger growth signifies the strength of the Fayetteville regional market which has led to

capacity additions by airlines.  The traffic statistics at FAY over the past five years provide strong

evidence that air service enhancements are well‐received and supported by travelers in the market.   

Exhibit 2:  Annual Passenger Enplanements at FAY (2005‐2009)

Source: Fayetteville Regional Airport

While the Airport’s growth between 2005 and 2009 was almost wholly attributed to service additions by

Delta and US Airways, a third carrier recently entered the Fayetteville market.  In June 2010, American

Eagle initiated twice daily service with regional jets between FAY and American’s Dallas/Fort Worth hub.  

Early reports show high load‐factors on the American flights and strong support by local travelers.  Even

with just one partial month of American data in the Year‐to‐Date June 2010 statistics, FAY passenger

enplanements are up by 11 percent over the same period in 2009 (see Exhibit 3).

   

151,565 153,164

174,006

199,438

229,480

‐

50,000

100,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Exhibit 3:  Passenger Enplanements at FAY (2010 v. 2009)

Source: Fayetteville Regional Airport

As required by the Department of Transportation, the tables below show additional airline and market

details for past air services at FAY (see Exhibits 4, 5, and 6).

Exhibit 4:  Passenger Enplanements at FAY by Carrier

Source:  Fayetteville Regional Airport

Exhibit 5:  FAY Aircraft Departures by Carrier

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation, T100 Carrier Reports

107,251

119,019

‐

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

140,000

YTD June 2009 YTD June 2010

Airline 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Delta Connection (ASA) 52,838            64,633      82,185      87,011    110,047

US Airways Express 98,727            86,792      89,571    112,427    119,433

Allegiant 1,739                  2,250

Total 151,565        153,164    174,006    199,438    229,480

Airline 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Delta Connection (ASA) 2,881                  3,266         4,291         4,305           5,656

US Airways Express 5,682                  5,100         5,349         5,217           5,359

Allegiant 41                              62

Total 8,563                  8,407         9,702         9,522        11,015
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Exhibit 6:  FAY Aircraft Departures by Nonstop Market and Carrier

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation, T100 Carrier Reports

Current Air Service at FAY

Currently, scheduled air service at Fayetteville Regional Airport is provided by three airlines to three

nonstop destinations (see Exhibits 7 and 8).  Delta Air Lines (through Delta Connection – ASA) operates

55 regional jet departures per week to its Atlanta hub.  US Airways (through various US Airways Express

carriers) also operates 55 regional jet departures per week to its Charlotte hub.  American Airlines

(through its American Eagle subsidiary) operates 14 regional jet departures per week to its Dallas/Fort

Worth hub.

Exhibit 7:  Current FAY Scheduled Nonstop Markets by Carrier

Source:  The Official Airline Guide, September 1‐7, 2010

Exhibit 8:  Current FAY Scheduled Nonstop Markets

Source:  The Official Airline Guide, September 1‐7, 2010

FAY Market Airline 2008 2009

Atlanta, GA Delta 4,305 5,656

Charlotte, NC US Airways 5,217 5,359

Total 9,522 11,015

Flight Departures Seat Departures Average Seats

FAY Nonstop Market Airline Equipment Type per Week per Week per Flight

Atlanta Delta Regional Jet 55                                                    2,750                        50

Charlotte US Airways Regional Jet 55                                                    3,382                        62

Dallas‐Fort Worth American Regional Jet 14                                                       616                        44

Fayetteville

DFW

CLT

ATL
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Average Airfares at FAY

Average airfares at Fayetteville Regional Airport are well‐above the average fare levels for the entire

U.S.  In fact, over the last three years, FAY average fares to all domestic markets have been between 47

percent and 64 percent higher than the total U.S. domestic average fares.  Further, FAY airfares in the

Washington, DC market have been particularly high compared to U.S. averages.  Over the last three

years, FAY average fares to Washington, DC have been approximately double the U.S. domestic average

fare levels (see Exhibit 9).

Exhibit 9:  FAY Average Airfares Versus U.S. Domestic Average Airfares

Note:  WAS = DCA + IAD

Source:  U.S. Department of Transportation, Origin‐Destination Passenger Survey

   

Average One‐Way Fare

Markets YE 1Q 2008 YE 1Q 2009 YE 1Q 2010

Total U.S. Domestic 151 $               $              158 $              146

FAY ‐ U.S. Domestic 247 $               $              235 $              215

Percent FAY Higher than Total US Domestic 64% 49% 47%

Total U.S. Domestic 151 $               $              158 $              146

FAY ‐ WAS 291 $               $              324 $              298

Percent FAY‐WAS Higher than Total US Domestic 93% 106% 104%
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

10

Air Service Development Efforts

Nonstop Air Service to Washington, DC  

Within the past five years, the Fayetteville community has been extremely focused on attracting

nonstop air service to Washington, DC.  Air service development efforts within the community and by

the Fayetteville Regional Airport for Washington, DC service has generated wide local support and

sustained interest over a period of several years.  

In June 2007, BRAC RTF initiated a comprehensive study to determine the impacts that BRAC would

have on the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region.  In terms of transportation‐related impacts, the Kenan

Institute of Private Enterprise at the University of North Carolina ‐ Chapel Hill was commissioned to

conduct a separate analysis of the air service related requirements of BRAC.  In its 2008 report, the

Kenan Institute identified a high‐priority requirement for direct air service between Fayetteville and

Washington, DC due to the activities of both FORSCOM and USARC.  Recommendations related to this

air service requirement included the need to obtain clear, well‐documented air travel demand data from

the military and the need for additional information on the travel behavior of those in the FAY market

area.

Following up on the BRAC RTF study findings and specifically the recommendations of the Kenan

Institute analysis, the City of Fayetteville adopted the attraction of nonstop air service to Washington,

DC as a High Priority item in its FY 2010 Strategic Plan (see Exhibit 10).  Finalized in February 2009, the FY

2010 Strategic Plan named just five Top Priority items and five High Priority items on the Management

Agenda.  By including nonstop air service to Washington, DC on this very short list of priorities, the City

of Fayetteville showed its strong commitment to supporting military needs in the community while

simultaneously raising the profile of the air service requirement throughout the region.

Exhibit 10:  City of Fayetteville Strategic Plan – FY 2010

Source: City of Fayetteville
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Momentum for the air service development effort led to the Fayetteville Regional Airport’s April 2009

release of a Request for Proposals document related to an Air Service Study for Direct Flights to

Washington, DC.   The RFP was developed through close coordination between the City of Fayetteville,

BRAC RTF and the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division.

In September 2009, after a highly competitive RFP process, the Fayetteville Regional Airport awarded

InterVISTAS Consulting a contract to conduct an air service study specific to the Washington, DC market

and to provide marketing support for presentations to potential air service providers.  InterVISTAS’ work

commenced shortly thereafter and included:

 meetings with local Fayetteville organizations and military representatives at Fort Bragg;  

 collection and analysis of travel‐related data from military and public sources;

 a survey of the Fayetteville region’s travelers to understand travel habits and priorities;

 a leakage study to estimate the true size of the Fayetteville – Washington, DC market; and

 headquarters presentations to senior staff at target airlines.

In March 2010, the City of Fayetteville reaffirmed its commitment to attracting nonstop Washington, DC

service by moving the objective to its Top Priority list in the FY 2011 Strategic Plan (see Exhibit 11).  

Further, the Fayetteville Regional Airport recently renewed its contract with InterVISTAS Consulting to

continue promoting Fayetteville ‐ Washington, DC nonstop service to target airlines.

Exhibit 11:  City of Fayetteville Strategic Plan – FY 2011

Source: City of Fayetteville

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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In summary, the Fayetteville community’s efforts to attract nonstop air service to Washington, DC

effectively began in mid‐2007 and have continued uninterrupted through the present, including this

application for a Small Community Air Service Development grant.  Exhibit 12 below displays a timeline

of notable activities and events during this period.   

Exhibit 12:  Air Service Development Efforts for Nonstop Washington, DC Service

Source: Fayetteville Regional Airport

Nonstop Air Service to Dallas/Fort Worth Hub  

In early 2010, American Eagle and Fayetteville Regional Airport began discussions related to the

potential new service between FAY and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).  Negotiations

regarding airport incentives ensued whereby American Eagle requested assistance beyond the current

incentive levels offered by FAY.  After researching current incentive plans offered by airports with similar

air service profiles, the Airport revised its incentive plan to meet the needs of American Eagle.  Changes

to the incentive plan included a longer period for waived landing fees and more liberal rules related to

matching funds for advertising and promotional purposes.   

In March 2010, American Eagle issued a press release announcing its decision to begin nonstop jet

service between DFW and FAY.  On June 10, 2010, service began in the market with two daily flights.  

Since the initiation of service, American Eagle has enjoyed excellent support from the local Fayetteville

community and has experienced high load factors in both directions.

Air Service Development Conferences

The Fayetteville Regional Airport is an active participant in air service development via conferences and

other aviation industry events.  In the past five years, Airport representatives have attended air service

development events sponsored by the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE), annual and

regional AAAE meetings with airline executives, Airports Council International’s JumpStart Air Service

BRAC RTF initiates

Comprehensive Study of BRAC Impact

on the Fort Bragg Region

(June 2007)

UNC-Chapel Hill's Kenan Institute 

submits report of BRAC impact on 

demand for commercial air service

(June 2008)

City of Fayetteville designates

Washington, DC air service

a HIGH Priority item

(Feb 2009)

Fayetteville Regional Airport

releases RFP for study related 

to nonstop Washington, DC air service

(April 2009)

Fayetteville Regional Airport

contracts with aviation consultant

(Sept 2009)

Aviation consultant completes

market analysis and traveler survey

(Jan 2010)

City of Fayetteville designates

Washington, DC air service

a TOP Priority item

(Mar 2010)

Presentation to

senior planning staff

at major airline

(Mar 2010)

Presentation to

senior planning staff

at major airline

(June 2010)

Apply for SCASD grant

to support potential

new Washington, DC 

air service

(Aug 2010)

Fayetteville Regional Airport

renews contract with

aviation consultant

(Aug 2010)

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Development Program and air service development meetings sponsored by the North Carolina Airports

Association.

Airport Advertising Promoting Air Services at FAY

In addition to proactively seeking new and enhanced air service by commercial airlines, the Fayetteville

Regional Airport is engaged in air service development through on‐going advertising campaigns.  These

promotional activities raise awareness within the community of flights at FAY and support existing air

carriers.  Fayetteville Regional Airport spending on advertising for the past five years is shown in Exhibit

13 below.

Exhibit 13:  Annual Fayetteville Regional Airport Advertising Expenditures

Source: Fayetteville Regional Airport

   

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

$34,684 $142,129 $16,572 $38,196 $34,138
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Previous Small Community Program Grant ‐ 2003

North Carolina Consortium

In 2003, Fayetteville was one of six communities in North Carolina that participated in a state‐wide

effort to improve air service at their respective airports.  To achieve their objective, the six communities

in conjunction with the North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Aviation Division, formed a

coalition.  The coalition sought to implement a new regional air network that linked the six cities to

Raleigh‐Durham International Airport (RDU). At RDU, travelers would have access to low fare carriers

such as Southwest Airlines and AirTran.   

In June 2003, the North Carolina consortium applied for a Small Community Program grant in the

amount of $3.6 million.  The Department of Transportation ultimately awarded the consortium $1.2

million and that amount was accepted by the group of communities.

Subsequent to the grant award, but prior to starting the anticipated RDU regional air network, the target

air carrier ceased operations and went out of business.  With approval from the U.S. Department of

Transportation, the consortium redirected the SCASD funds to alternative air service development

efforts.  Individual members of the consortium were allocated a pro‐rata share (i.e. $200,000 or [$1.2

million ÷ 6]) of the total grant amount.   

In the Fayetteville market, FAY secured a commitment by US Airways to convert its flights to the

Charlotte (CLT) hub to all jet service.  The airport also worked with Delta to begin their use of FAY jet

loading bridges to enhance the Atlanta service.  In 2006, Fayetteville Regional Airport applied $84,975 of

its apportioned SCASD funds toward advertising these airline service enhancements.  Ultimately, the

service enhancements were deemed a success for the airlines, the airport and the traveling public.  

Importantly, the service enhancements have remained in effect to present time.

The 2003 Small Community Program grant awarded to the North Carolina consortium that included

Fayetteville was wholly focused on the creation of a route network that would link RDU to the six

communities of the consortium.  The 2003 project’s main objective was to enable convenient access to

the many air service options at RDU such as low‐fare carrier services and network carrier services.  After

the modification of the grant, the objective for the funds at Fayetteville was to upgrade the existing

services of US Airways and Delta.

In contrast, the current proposal for grant funding is centered on nonstop service to Washington, DC to

accommodate impending high demand driven by the growing military presence at Fort Bragg.   Also, the

current proposal is for a Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region project, not a consortium‐based, state‐wide

project.  In this manner, the objectives and planned uses for the grant funding are very specific to the

Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region.  Finally, Fayetteville Regional Airport’s 2010 proposal is not concurrent

with the prior consortium‐based grant as that grant expired in 2008.
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Air Service Needs

Nonstop Air Service to Washington, DC  

As described in the previous section, a high‐priority need for nonstop air service between Fayetteville

Regional Airport and Washington, DC was first identified in the course of BRAC RTF’s comprehensive

study of BRAC impacts on the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region.  Subsequently, the Airport contracted with

a professional aviation consulting firm that specializes in air service development matters, to further

evaluate the need for Fayetteville‐Washington, DC nonstop air service and to develop plans for

attracting an air carrier to serve the market.  The aviation consultant’s findings are summarized below.  

Market Study and Demand Quantification  

In performing its study of the Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market, the aviation consultant:

 Interviewed all relevant stakeholders including Airport officials, military representatives,

and Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region businesses and organizations;

 Analyzed data from public and military sources;

 Conducted a survey of business and leisure travelers; and  

 Determined leakage away from FAY by travelers in the market utilizing alternative

airports and other transportation modes.

Key findings from this work support the need for nonstop service to Washington, DC.   

Inefficient Current Travel Patterns

Currently, the majority of travelers in the Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market travel via the following

methods: 1) travel by airlines at RDU; 2) travel entirely by automobile; and 3) travel by airlines at FAY.  

Each of these travel methods is inefficient and restricts the conduct of business by preventing the short‐

notice trips and day‐trips that are common amongst business and military travelers.

Depending on their location in the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region, travelers using RDU to fly onward to

Washington, DC must spend approximately 2 hours driving each way.  In doing so, they incur high costs

of automobile fuel and lost productivity due to the time and planning required for trips to and from

RDU.

Travelers who bypass the airport options and choose to drive between the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg

Region and Washington, DC incur even higher costs of automobile fuel and severe productivity losses.  

The drive takes approximately 6 hours each way, which does not include the large amounts of time

spent in the frequent traffic jams around the Washington, DC area.  While driving may give travelers

some flexibility in terms of travel planning, it is not a viable option for the types of travelers in the

market who have high demands on their time.  Further, travelers who drive only add to the already

heavily congested I‐95 corridor that links the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region to Washington, DC.   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Those travelers who utilize FAY take advantage of the conveniences of the local airport, but must travel

via connecting flights at hub airport in Charlotte or Atlanta.  These flights are not only circuitous (i.e.

flying south or west for a northbound destination), but they are also time‐consuming options.  Layovers

at the Charlotte and Atlanta hubs can extend beyond 2 hours which can easily double the total time of

the trip.  When adding in time for ground transportation to and from the airports as well as for TSA

inspections, the FAY option with connecting hub flights can actually exceed the drive time between the

Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region to Washington, DC.

Exhibits 14 and 15 below show the results of data analysis from the surveys and other information

sources regarding the travel methods of those in the Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market.

Exhibit 14:  Mode Most Often by Used by Business Travelers for Washington, DC Trips

Source: Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region Survey of Business and Leisure Travelers, January 2010

Exhibit 15:  Airports Used by Existing Fort Bragg Military Personnel  

for Washington, DC Trips by Air

Source: Fort Bragg and Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), CY 2008

   

34%

40%

26%

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45%

Automobile

Airlines (RDU/Other)

Airlines (FAY)

FAY

33%

RDU

67%
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

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Demand Analysis and Leakage Study

Travel demand in the Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market is known to be high, however, due to

weaknesses in data reporting, quantifying the true demand is challenging.  As described above, many

travelers from the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region travel either entirely by automobile or travel via

automobile to reach alternative airports such as RDU.  Travelers using automobiles exclusively do not

report their movements and those using alternative airports do not appear as Fayetteville passengers in

the U.S. DOT origin‐destination aviation statistics.

To estimate the true demand in the market, the aviation consultant analyzed data from several sources

including the U.S. DOT’s Origin‐Destination Passenger Survey database, military travel data from both

Fort Bragg and Fort McPherson (i.e. FORSCOM and USARC) and data from the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg

Region Survey of Business and Leisure Travelers.  Based on an analysis of leakage away from FAY to

other airports as well as the addition of the net new Fort McPherson traffic, true annual demand in the

market was estimated at 39,800 passengers (comprised of 22,500 passengers in the existing market and

17,300 new BRAC‐related passengers).  This compares to just 6,140 annual passengers as reported in the

U.S. DOT’s statistics.  The difference between estimated true demand and reported demand in the

Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market equates to a + 548 percent change in the market’s size (see Exhibit

16).

Exhibit 16:  Reported Data Severely Understates the Fayetteville‐Washington, DC Market Size

Note:  WAS = DCA + IAD

Source: “Reported FAY‐WAS” data from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Origin Destination Passenger Survey, YE

3q2009.  “Adjusted FAY‐WAS” data includes: 1) estimates of existing leakage away from the Fayetteville market and 2)

net new traffic from BRAC‐related travel.  

Clearly, the Fayetteville‐Washington, DC market will experience tremendous growth due to BRAC.  It is

well‐documented that the FORSCOM/USARC units generate thousands of trips to Washington, DC as

they require regular interaction with Pentagon officials.  Also, with FORSCOM/USARC managing over

6,140

22,500

17,300

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

Reported FAY‐WAS Adjusted FAY‐WAS

Annual Fayetteville‐Wsahington, DC

O&D Passengers

Existing New BRAC‐related

+ 548%

39,800
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

18

$30 billion in Department of Defense budget annually, the units are magnets for Defense contractors.  

Many of these contractors will locate in the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region and their employees will

travel regularly to and from Washington, DC to support their business activities.   

These military and civilian travelers tend to hold high positions within their respective organizations

where time is extremely valuable.  They require efficient access to flights between FAY and Washington,

DC so as to accomplish day‐trips and trips scheduled on short notice.  The current location of Fort

McPherson near Atlanta’s Hartsfield‐Jackson International Airport affords this convenience and

efficiency.  This convenience and efficiency must be replicated at FAY with nonstop Washington, DC

flights that will allow military business to continue uninterrupted after the BRAC move to Fort Bragg.

Finally, it is important to note that the FORSCOM/USARC leadership regularly host conferences for

military personnel from around the country.  These conferences occur on an almost weekly basis

throughout the year and will lead to thousands of additional air trips to and from the Fayetteville‐Fort

Bragg Region.  Many of the regular conference participants are located in and around the Washington,

DC area and represent another significant source of traffic that would utilize the nonstop FAY‐

Washington, DC services.

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

19

Strategic Plan

A primary objective of the Fayetteville Regional Airport’s air service development plan is the expansion

of services to new markets via nonstop flights.  Targeted markets for service expansion must be clearly

identified as sustainable by an analysis of the market and have broad support within the market’s

current and potential air travel customer base.    The outreach and marketing to targeted air carriers

identified in the airport’s market studies as potential candidates to provide nonstop service to

Washington has been underway since 2009 and continues at this time.   Over the past 6 months the

airport and its partners have had discussions with five air carriers and regional affiliates to discuss the

market potential at FAY of a nonstop Washington service.   Regular communication about the market

with these carriers and other potential new entrant carriers is on‐going.    

Goals and Objectives

The grant funds requested in this application will be utilized in our continuing efforts to attract and

support the introduction of nonstop service to Washington, DC.  Thereby, achieving the Fayetteville‐Fort

Bragg Region’s top priority for new air service in advance of, or as soon as practical after, the arrival of

FORSCOM and USARC headquarters at Fort Bragg in 2011.  Attracting this service will achieve the

following goals of the airport’s air service development program:

 Enhanced airline competition;

 Expanded capacity to a new unserved, nonstop market;

 Reduce the leakage of local traffic to other airports; and

 Improve service to domestic and international markets beyond Washington, DC.

Target Audience

Cash and in‐kind contributions described in this application will target Fayetteville‐Washington, DC

travelers who currently utilize existing connecting services at FAY as well as travelers who utilize services

available at alternative airports such as RDU.  Potential new customers who currently choose to drive

between Washington, DC and the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region will also be targeted.   The major target

market segments include:

 Uniformed  military personnel traveling on official business;

 Civilian Department of Defense employees and other federal government personnel;

 Department of Defense civilian contractors; and

 Non‐military related business and leisure travelers.

Sustainability of the Service  

The Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region’s consistent track record of supporting air service enhancements at

FAY in the past few years in the face of a challenging national economic environment and the
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

20

performance of the recently introduced new nonstop service by American Eagle to DFW are excellent

indicators of the strength of the market.   FAY’s growing air traffic and the expected positive economic

impacts of the BRAC process from 2011 onward will provide the air service demand necessary to

support nonstop service to Washington, DC.   The use of funds as outlined in this application will be

targeted during the critical start up period for a new service, that is, from the announcement of the new

service through the first year of the service.  During this period the funds will provide the necessary

initial marketing and competitive services at FAY for the air carrier to successfully introduce, maintain

and expand, over time, nonstop service to Washington, DC.

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

21

Air Service Plan Implementation  

Introduction

The Fayetteville Regional Airport and its local partners have been pursuing the addition of air service

between FAY and the Washington, DC region for over 3 years.   This effort continues through the

present with follow‐up meetings with air carriers expected to occur in 2010 as well as in early 2011.    

We believe that an award of the requested Small Community Program grant funds in conjunction with

the on‐going air service development efforts and the local contribution of funds and in‐kind support will

greatly facilitate our efforts to attract nonstop service to Washington, DC.

Public Private Partnerships in Support of Air Service at FAY

To support the efforts to attract nonstop air service to Washington, DC at FAY, a partnership of local

public sector and private sector stakeholders has taken shape.  Local public sector organizations

involved in the air service development effort include the Fayetteville Regional Airport, the City of

Fayetteville and the BRAC Regional Task Force, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission and the

Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority.  Community partners representing the private

sector include the Fayetteville Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and the Fayetteville Area

Convention & Visitors Bureau.  Each of these local organizations is committed to working in a unified

manner toward the development of nonstop air service to Washington, DC.

This commitment includes support of the current efforts to attract Washington, DC air service through

work with a professional aviation consulting firm.   The Fayetteville public private partnership works to

support existing air service at FAY, to attract new air service and to develop joint marketing

opportunities to expand overall air traffic levels at FAY.   

Funding

As discussed previously, the local community has placed a high priority on attracting nonstop service to

Washington, DC and evidence of this commitment is shown in the funds that have been committed to

the effort.    The mix of funding, both in terms of cash and in‐kind contributions, is designed to support

the introduction of the new service, mitigate the start‐up risk and provide on‐going marketing support

during the critical first year of service when air carriers traditionally market aggressively within the local

community.     A summary of the funding mechanisms and sources is provided in this section of the

application.  

   
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

22

Community and Airport Cash Contributions

The community partners and the Fayetteville Regional Airport have committed to contribute $80,000 in

cash.  The cash commitments are provided by the Fayetteville Regional Airport, the North Carolina

Department of Transportation – Aviation Division, the Fayetteville Public Works Commission, the

Cumberland County Tourism Development Authority and the Fayetteville/Cumberland County Chamber.   

The funding from the community and airport will be utilized to support the marketing campaign as

outlined below.  

Airport In‐Kind Contributions and Fee Waivers

Fayetteville Regional Airport will provide a full range of in‐kind support to the air carrier providing new

nonstop service to Washington, DC.   This support ranges from waiving landing fees and gate rental

charges to providing infrastructure improvements at no cost to the airline.  A full description of the

airport’s in‐kind contributions and the value of those contributions are provided in Exhibit 17 below.

Exhibit 17:  Fayetteville Regional Airport In‐Kind Contributions

   

Description of In‐Kind Contribution Value

Landing fee waiver 12 months (2x daily CRJ‐200 service) $42,200

Jet bridge fee waiver 12 months (2x daily CRJ‐200 service) $18,250

Holdroom rental waiver 12months $9,000

Employee parking fee waiver 12 months (fourspaces) $1,440

Airport Directorspeaking engagements at civic/social clubs (ten appearances @$500.00 each) $5,000

Ads on Airport and City of Fayetteville web sites $600

Announcements in City wide employee email and newsletter $500

Airline transitional cost $18,000

   FIDS Monitor

   Software and infrastructure installation

   Terminal signage (airline brand)

   Inaugural activities

Total $94,990
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

23

Community In‐Kind Contributions ‐ Outreach Campaign

The community support of in‐kind services is focused on targeted marketing opportunities designed to

inform Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region travelers of the new nonstop service to Washington, DC.    On the

inbound side of the market (i.e. Washington, DC area travelers), the marketing program will be geared

toward promoting the Fayetteville market to potential travelers in the Washington, DC region as well as

travelers that might reach Fayetteville from other originating cities via the Washington, DC flight.  In‐

kind contributions from the Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau as well as the

Fayetteville/Cumberland County Chamber are shown in Exhibits 18 and 19.

Exhibit 18:  Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau In‐Kind Contributions

Exhibit 19:  Fayetteville/Cumberland County Chamber In‐Kind Contributions

   

Description of In‐Kind Contribution Value

Destination Marketing Guide featuring DC Service ‐ Mailing $16,000

Certified Travel Agent Educational Program $4,000

Travel Press Public Relations Outreach $5,000

Web site marketing economic development and relocation services $2,000

Conversion Analysis of air travel demand generated by marketing programs $5,000

Total $32,000

Description of In‐Kind Contribution Value

Email and fax promotion of direct DC Service to distribution list $1,750

Accent Magazine Article on the new DC service $1,500

Chamber Newsletter Feature on the DC service $250

Ad placements in the Chamber Newsletter $450

Ad spot on the Chamber Television Programming $2,520

Ad spot on the Chamber Radio Program $650

Coffee Club Promotion of the DC service $250

Plant Manager's Association Promotional Event $600

Total $7,970
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

24

Summary and Utilization of In‐Kind and Cash Contributions  

The community and airport contributions of cash, fee waivers and in‐kind services will be $214,960.   

The in‐kind contributions and fee waivers are described in the preceding paragraphs.   The total cash

contributions from local sources and the SCASD grant equal $300,000 (see Exhibit 20).  The local

contributions will be deployed in a manner that, when combined with the Small Community Program

funding, will maximize the value to the air carrier initiating nonstop Fayetteville‐Washington, DC.   

Exhibit 20:  Funding Overview

Media Campaign

The advertising and marketing campaign, to be rolled out in conjunction with the introduction of a new

nonstop service, consists of five elements across multiple distribution channels: Print Media, Television

Advertising, Broadcast Radio, Billboards and Internet Marketing.   Each element of the campaign will be

funded by the Small Community Program grant and cash contributions identified in this application. It is

expected that the vast majority of the campaign will run for approximately six months, with limited

internet marketing continuing for up to 12 months.  This schedule is designed to focus the support of

the new service in its initial start up phase to maximize community and inbound and outbound market

awareness.  A summary of each element, along with its target market, duration and respective cost

follows in Exhibit 21.

   

Contribution Type Airport Community US DOT Total

Cash $50,000 $30,000 $220,000 $300,000

In‐Kind $94,990 $39,970 $134,960

Total $144,990 $69,970 $220,000 $434,960
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

25

Exhibit 21:  Media Campaign Details

Outreach Campaign

An outreach and marketing campaign will be initiated by the private sector partners ‐ the Fayetteville

Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and the Fayetteville Cumberland County Visitors Bureau.  

The role of these partners in the marketing effort will be multifaceted and include:

1. supporting the new Washington, DC service at the local level through a variety of distribution

channels;

2. educating the Fayetteville‐Fort Bragg Region business community on new Washington, DC

service’s importance to the development of the airport’s traffic base, the growth of the business

market and the expansion of the region’s tourism potential in the Washington DC market.

   

Distribution Channel Market Quantity Individual Cost Cumulative Cost 

Print Media 

The Pentagram (15" ads) Washington, D.C. 10 $571 $5,712 

Capital Flyer (20" ads) Washington, D.C. 25 $368 $9,205 

The Fayetteville Observer -- 30" BW Fayetteville 18 $1,210 $21,780 

The Fayetteville Observer -- Sunday Life 1/2P4C Fayetteville 5 $1,110 $5,550 

The Fayetteville Observer -- Special Wrapper Fayetteville 2 $3,642 $7,283 

Elite Magazine -- 1/2P4C Fayetteville 6 $1,500 $9,000 

CityView Magazine -- FP4C Fayetteville 3 $2,700 $8,100 

CityView Magazine -- 1/2P4C Fayetteville 3 $1,790 $5,370 

Up and Coming Magazine Fayetteville 24 $750 $18,000 

Television Ads 

Time Warner Cable Fayetteville 6 months $4,000 $24,000 

Time Warner Cable Lumberton 6 months $1,000 $6,000 

Spot TV -- FOX, WRAL Fayetteville 4 months $5,000 $20,000 

Broadcast Radio 

Cumulus Network Fayetteville 12 weeks $20,000 

Beasley Broadcast Network Fayetteville 12 weeks $30,000 

Billboard Cost 

LAMAR -- Digital Board (12 months) Fayetteville 1 $2,425 $29,100 

LAMAR -- Vinyl Board (12 months) Fayetteville 1 $1,300 $15,600 

LAMAR --Poster/Rotator Board (12 months) Fayetteville 1 $675 $16,200 

LAMAR -- Vinyl Materials Fayetteville 1 $2,000 $2,000 

LAMAR -- Poster Materials Fayetteville 12 $175 $2,100 

Internet Marketing 

Washington Post Online Washington, D.C. 2 months $10,020 $20,040 

DC Miliary Website Washington, D.C. 12 months $410 $4,920 

The Fayetteville Observer Online Fayetteville 12 months $1,670 $20,040 

TOTAL COST: $300,000 
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

26

Project Timeline and Monitoring  

The announcement of an air carrier’s intent to start nonstop service to Washington, DC from FAY will be

the impetus to launch the marketing campaign outlined above.   The precise timing of the activities will

be subject to that announcement.  An indicative project timeline for the activities described above, as

well as the monitoring and reporting to DOT on the Marketing Campaign funded in part by a Small

Community Program grant, is displayed in Exhibit 22.

Exhibit 22:  Project Timeline and Monitoring Details

   

Month

Activity 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 On‐going

Announcement of Nonstop Service to Washington, DC

Activities Prior to Service Initiation

Airport in‐kind infrastructure installation

Marketing Campaign ‐ Priorto Service Initiation

Media Campaign

Chamber Outreach

CVB Outreach

Initiation of New Washington, DC Nonstop Air Service

Inaugural Activities

Media Campaign

Chamber Outreach

CVB Outreach

Airport Marketing

US DOT Monitoring and Reporting Requirements

Project Monitoring

DOT Reports ‐ Status
   

Fayetteville Regional Airport    

Small Community Air Service Development Grant Application – August 2010

    

27

Project Monitoring and Funding Assurance

The monitoring of the project’s implementation and cost will be under the direction of the Assistant

Airport Director at FAY.  The Assistant Airport Director will have the primary responsibility in managing

the contract with the advertising agency for the Media Campaign.   As the Airport’s liaison to the

participating private sector organizations, the Airport Director will have primary responsibility to

oversee the appropriate and timely implementation of in‐kind contributions and cash contributions by

these entities.    The Airport Director and the organizations participating in the partnership will meet on

a regular basis to discuss issues relevant to the airport.  As such, once the Small Community Program

grant is awarded, there will be a kick‐off meeting within two weeks of the award to set the formal

schedule for implementing the Marketing Campaign.  Of course, the implementation schedule is

dependent on the announcement of the FAY‐Washington, DC air service.
    

Appendix A

Required Summary Information

   
APPENDIX B 

Page I 

SMALL COMMUNITY AIR SERVICE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM 

DOCKET DOT-OST-2010-0124 

SUMMARY INFORMATION 

All applicants must submit this information with their proposal, along with a completed form SF424 on 

http://www.grants. gov. 

A. APPLICAN T INFORMATION: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

D No t a Consortium D Interstat e Consortium D Intrastat e Consortium 

G Communit y now receives EAS subsidy 

D Communit y (or Consortium member) previously received a Small Community Grant 

If previous recipient: Dat e of grant: 

Expiration date of grant: 

B. PUBLIC/PRIVAT E PARTNERSHIPS: (LIST ORGANIZATION NAMES) 

Public Private 

1. 1 . 

2. 2 . 

J. J . 

4 J . 

J. I . 

PROJECT PROPOSAL: (CHECK ALL THAT APPLY) 

n Marketin g 

n Personne l 

D Trave l Bank 

n Upgrad e Aircraft 

n Increas e Frequency 

n Servic e Restoration 

n Ne w Route 

n Lo w Fare Service 

n Subsid y 
APPENDIX B 

Page 2 

n Surfac e Transportation Q Regiona l Service D Othe r (specify ) 

n Revenu e Guarantee D Launc h New Carrier 

n Star t Up Cost Offset D Firs t Service 

n Stud y n Secur e Additional Carrie r 

D. EXISTIN G LANDING AID S AT LOCAL AIRPORT : 

n Ful l ILS D Outer/Middl e Marker D Publishe d Instrument Approach 

n Localize r D Othe r (specify ) 

E. PROJEC T COST : 

1. Federal amount requested: 

2. State cash financial contribution : 

3. Local cash financial contribution.. . 

3a. Airport cash funds: 

3b. Non-airport cash funds: 

3c. Total local cash funds (3a . -I- 3b.): 

4. TOTAL CASH FUNDING (1 . + 2. + 3c.): 

5. Local funds contributed from already-existin g 

programs or projects include d in line 3c. amount: 

6. Local funds contribute d from new commitments 

or new resources included in line 3c. amount: 

7. Airport In-Kind contribution: 

(amount & description) 

8. Other In-Kind contribution: 

(amount & description) 

9. TOTAL IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION (7. -i- 8.): 

10. TOTAL PROJECT COST (4. + 9.): 
APPENDIX B 

Page 3 

F. ENPLANEMENTS : 

2000 200 4 2008 . 

2001 200 5 2009 . 

2002 200 6 

200 200 7 

G. I s THIS APPLICATION SUBJECT TO REVIEW BY STATE UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER 12372 PROCESS? 

• a . Thi s application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for 

review on (date) . 

• b . Progra m is subject to E.O. 12372, but has not been selected by the State for review. 

• c . Progra m is not covered by E.O. 12372. 

H. I S THE APPLICANT DELINQUENT ON ANY FEDERAL DEBT? (IF "YES", PROVIDE EXPLANATION) 

n N o n Ye s (explain ) 
    

Appendix B

Letters of Support




NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL ASSEMBLY 

SENATOR LARRY SHAW 

DISTRICT 21 

311 LEGISLATIVE OFFICE BUILDING 

RALEIGH, NC 27603-5925 

larrys@ncleg.net ● (919) 733-9349

August 17, 2010 

The Honorable Secretary Ray LaHood 

US Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

Greetings on behalf of the 21st Senatorial District of North Carolina! I am writing to 

express my support for the grant application submitted by North Carolina’s Fayetteville 

Regional Airport (FAY) under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. 

New non-stop air service between Fayetteville and the Washington, DC metropolitan area 

has been identified by our local community as a high-priority transportation requirement. 

A financial grant would help secure the commitment of a commercial airline to provide 

this essential service. 

Demand for Washington, DC air service is being driven by tremendous growth at Fort 

Bragg related to the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Under BRAC, Fort 

Bragg will add thousands of military personnel in the next few years. Of particular note, 

the US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and Army Reserve Command (USARC) 

will transfer from Fort McPherson in Atlanta to Fort Bragg by September 2011. The 

addition of these units will substantially increase the number of trips between Fort Bragg 

and Washington, DC both by the military and companies doing business with the 

Department of Defense. 

Fort Bragg is located within North Carolina’s 21st Senatorial District, which I represent. I 

have first-hand knowledge of the benefits of this service, as I personally travel to 

Washington, DC several times a month. Located just 13.6 miles from Fort Bragg’s main 

gate and within easy access of surrounding communities, Fayetteville Regional Airport is 

ideally positioned to accommodate the region’s Washington, DC travelers. Currently 

travelers in this market are forced to either drive six (6) hours each way or fly via 
alternative airports. These options are neither efficient nor economical and present 

substantial obstacles to maximizing the economic potential of the BRAC process in the 

Fayetteville region. 

I respectfully ask that the highest consideration is given to the Fayetteville Regional 

Airport’s grant application in order to improve access to Washington, DC for the benefit 

of military, business and leisure travelers alike. 

Sincerely, 

Larry Shaw 
~orl4 QIarolina ®£n£ralJ\zz£mhll,J

~OUi'i£ of 2R-epr£i'i£nil:tiiiJ£i'i

COMMITTEES:

REPRESENTATIVE DIANE M. PARFITT

44TH DISTRICT

DISTRICT:

44TH

EDUCATION

EDUCATION SUBCOMMITTEE ON UNIVERSITIES.

VICE CHAIR

APPROPRIATIONS

APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE ON

TRANSPORTATION

COMMERCE

HEALTH

HOMELAND SECURITY, MILITARY, AND

VETERANS AFFAIRS

EMAIL:

2221 LEGISLATIVE BUILDING

16 W. JONES STREET

RALEIGH, NC 27601-1096

(919) 733-9892

(919) 754-3345 FAX

diane.partitt@ncleg.net

OFFICE ADDRESS:

TELEPHO E:

August 13,20] 0

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary

U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary LaHood:

I am writing to you as legislative in the NC House as well a as well as a citizen of Fayetteville. I want to express

my strong support for the grant application submitted by North Carolina's Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY)

under the Small Community Air Service Development Program. New non-stop air service between Fayetteville

and the Washington, DC area has been identified by Oll!' local community as a high-priority transportation

requirement. A financial grant would help secure the commitment of a commercial airline to provide this

important service.

Demand for Washington, DC air service is being driven by mission growth at Fort Bragg related to the Base

Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Under BRAC, Fort Bragg will add thousands of military personnel in

the next few years. Of particular note, the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and Army Reserve

Command (USARC) will transfer from Fort McPherson in Atlanta to Fort Bragg by September 20 I I. The

addition of these units will substantially increase the number of trips between Fort Bragg and Washington, DC

both by the military and companies doing business with the Department of Defense.

On a personal note, I grew up in the DC area and still have family I visit there frequently. When we first moved

to Fayetteville, there was an affordable direct flight to DC. But once the airlines went to a hub system, it became

cost prohibitive as well as taking more time than driving there with the required connections. It would help me on

a personal note tremendously to be able to quickly and efficiently reach my family.
Located just 13.6 miles from Fort Bragg's mam gate and within easy access of surrounding cornmuruties,

Fayetteville Regional Airport is ideally positioned to accommodate the region's Washington, DC travelers.

Currently, travelers in this market are forced to either drive 6 hours each way or fly via alternative airports. These

options are neither efficient nor economical and present substantial obstacles to maximizing the economic

potential ofthe BRAC process in the Fayetteville region.

I respectfully ask that the highest consideration is given to the Fayetteville Regional Airport's grant application in

order to improve access to Washington, DC for the benefit of military, business and leisure travelers alike.

DMP/ks]



Cumberland County Legislative Delegation

North Carolina General Assembly

Raleigh, North Carolina 27601-1096

Representative Rick Glazier, House 45 Representative Elmer Floyd, House 43

Representative Marvin Lucas, House 42 Representative William Brisson, House 22

Representative Diane Parfitt, House 44 Senator Larry Shaw, Senate 21

Senator Margaret Highsmith Dickson, Senate 19

August 18, 2010

The Honorable Ray LaHood

Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20590

The Cumberland County Legislative Delegation writes to express strong support for the grant application 

submitted by North Carolina’s Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) under the Small Community Air 

Service Development Program. New non-stop air service between Fayetteville and the Washington, DC 

area has been identified by our local community as a high-priority transportation requirement. A financial 

grant would help secure the commitment of a commercial airline to provide this important service.

Demand for Washington, DC air service is being driven by mission growth at Fort Bragg related to the

Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) process. Under BRAC, Fort Bragg will add thousands of military 

personnel in the next few years. Of particular note, the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and 

Army Reserve Command (USARC) will transfer from Fort McPherson in Atlanta to Fort Bragg by 

September 2011. The addition of these units will substantially increase the number of trips between Fort 

Bragg and Washington, DC both by the military and companies doing business with the Department of 

Defense.

Located just 13.6 miles from Fort Bragg’s main gate and within easy access of surrounding communities, 

Fayetteville Regional Airport is ideally positioned to accommodate the region’s Washington, DC travelers. 

Currently, the Fayetteville Regional Airport serves a 12-county area in the Sandhills of southern North 

Carolina and travelers in this market are forced to either drive 6 hours each way or fly via alternative 

airports. These options are neither efficient nor economical and present substantial obstacles to 

maximizing the economic potential of the BRAC process in the Fayetteville region.

The Delegation respectfully asks that the highest consideration is given to the Fayetteville Regional 

Airport’s grant application in order to improve access to Washington, DC for the benefit of military, 

business and leisure travelers alike.

Sincerely, 

Representative Rick Glazier, Chair Senator Margaret H. Dickson 

Representative Elmer Floyd, Vice Chair Representative William Brisson

Representative Marvin Lucas Senator Larry Shaw 

Representative Diane Parfitt 


707 West Broad Street  P. O. Box 2556  Elizabethtown, NC 28337  (800) 787-1333  (910) 862-8511  Fax (910) 862-1482 

INTERNET: http://www.ncse.org  e-mail: locate@ncse.org 

 

Southeastern North Carolina Regional Economic Development Commission Member of the North Carolina Partnership for Economic Development

August 20, 2010 

The Honorable Ray LaHood, Secretary 

U.S. Department of Transportation 

1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE 

Washington, DC 20590 

Dear Sir; 

On behalf of North Carolina’s Southeast (NCSE), I am writing to express support for the grant application 

submitted by North Carolina’s Fayetteville Regional Airport (FAY) under the Small Community Air Service 

Development Program. New non-stop air service between Fayetteville and the Washington, DC area has been 

identified by the region as a high-priority transportation requirement for access to/from the region and to facilitate 

economic growth. This financial grant would assist in securing a commitment from a commercial airline to provide 

this new air service. 

Demand for this Washington, DC air service is being driven by mission growth at Fort Bragg related to the 

Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) initiative. Through BRAC, Fort Bragg will add thousands of military 

personnel in the next few years as the U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) and Army Reserve Command 

(USARC) transfer from Fort McPherson in Atlanta to Fort Bragg. This growth will substantially increase the number 

of trips between Fayetteville/Fort Bragg and Washington, DC both by the military and companies doing business with 

the Department of Defense. A major recommendation in the Comprehensive Regional Growth Plan (CGRP) 

completed in 2008 was the need for direct commercial flights from the Fayetteville Regional Airport to Washington, 

DC. A subsequent study confirmed the economic viability of establishing these direct flights. 

Located just 13.6 miles from Fort Bragg’s main gate and within easy access of surrounding communities, 

Fayetteville Regional Airport is ideally positioned to accommodate the region’s Washington, DC travelers. Currently, 

travelers in this market are forced to either drive 6 hours each way or fly via alternative airports. This greatly reduces 

the effective and efficient use of military travel time, and our community’s ability to maximize the economic potential 

of the BRAC process in the Fayetteville region. 

North Carolina’s Southeast, a legislatively created economic development partnership, is the regional 

economic development marketing organization for southeastern North Carolina. We serve an eleven county region 

that encompasses counties along the coast, includes Fayetteville, and continues to Richmond County. As we work to 

recruit companies to expand or relocate in our region, air service to major markets is of significant value to companies 

as they seek to be globally competitive in the marketplace. As military contractors/defense related companies is a 

targeted industry cluster for our region and we are integrally involved in the BRAC initiative, we see the value of 

enhancing all modes of the transportation network has on a company’s decision to relocate. The creation of direct air 

service between Fayetteville and Washington, DC would be a significant asset to our region’s competitiveness for 

attraction of new industry in both military and non-military sectors. 

North Carolina’s Southeast respectfully asks that the highest consideration be given to the Fayetteville 

Regional Airport’s grant application to develop direct air service to Washington, DC for the benefit of military, 

business and leisure travelers alike. 

Sincerely, 

Steve Yost, Executive Director 

North Carolina’s Southeast