OLYMPIA J. SNOWE MAI"•JE**COM~.I[!f!US:** COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION 1S4 RcssnL**SE~ATE Orne~:**  8:JtLIJtNG (202j 224-5.144 OtfANS. AlMOSPHERE, FISHER ES ANO COAST GUARD SuocoMMI1TE:E Web Site:**http:l/snowe.ser:ct~Lgov** 

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AUBURN DE.PUTY WHIP FINANCE WASHINGTON, DC 20510-1903 INTELLIGENCE

November 29,2011 RANKING MEMBER, SMALL BUSINESS

The Honorable Raymond H. LaHood Secretary United States Department ofTransportation 1200NewJersey Avenue Southeast Washington, DC 20590

Dear Secretary LaHood: 

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,..j I write to you today regarding the Essential Air Service program, ofwhich youhave**b~** a champion and vocal advocate

-- I know you agree that rural passengers deserve equal access to
ournation's air transportation network. As such, I urge youto consider passenger access to majorhubs 

### as you exercise your discretion to waive the 15-passengerrequirement for Essential Air Service. Itis critically important that airports located more than 200 air-nautical miles from medium or large hubs have service provided by aircraft that have the appropriate range, passenger amenities, and safety equipment to directly connect rural communities with hubs that provide direct service to common destinations.
As youknowthe Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2012

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Air Service have a 15-passenger capacity. Two airports inmy state are currently requesting bids for serviceto replace a carrierheldinto service by DOT order, and I am concerned thatbids for service to Presque Isle will resultinthe selection ofa carrierproviding service incompatible with the needs ofthe community. Boththe airport's manager and community residents have expressed serious concerns for the service that couldbe provided by smaller aircraft as allowed by the appropriations bilL Indetermining a carrierto serve the Presque Isle market, the selection ofa carrier with appropriate aircraft for the distance and severe winter weather conditions is essential. Any selected carriermusthave equipment, including appropriate on-board deicing systems designed to provide reliable service in the extreme cold ofMaine's winters.
Efficient air service for Presque Isle and the communities ofAroostook County serves as a critical link to tourism, recreation, and business. For communities more than 200 air nautical miles from a large hub airport, use ofa 15"passenger aircraft is an essential element in connecting rural communities to the air transportation network. I am concerned that the communities most in need ofservice guarantees will be cut offfrom the air transportation network as a result ofthis change. Service provided by a smaller aircraft would require

AUGUSTA BANGOR 81DDFFORD PORTLAND PRESQUE ISLE Two GREAT FAu s PLAZA SUITE 7B 40 WESTERN AVENUE, SUITE 408C AUGUSTA, ME 04330 202 HARLOW STREEr, SUITE 214 BANGOR, ME 04401 22l MAIN STREET BtoDHDRD, ME 04005 (207) 282-4144 3 CANAL PLAZA, SUITE 601 PORTlAND, ME 04101 (207) 874-\)883 169 ACADEMY STREET, SUITE 3 PRESQUE ISLE, ME 04769 (207) 764-5124 AUBURN, ME 04210 (2071 786-2451 (207) 622-8292 (207) 945--0432

IN MAINE CALL TOLL-FREE Hl00-432-1599 PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER MAiNE RELAY SEAVICE TOO 1-955--3323

### additional stops and delays and make transportation to these areas more challenging. Air service to Presque Isle that requires an intermediary stop would cause unnecessary delay, and further inhibit the ability ofvisitors and business people to access the area. Uncomplicated access to the community by air truly makes a difference between investment in the region and the abandonment ofour rural areas. The closest commercial airport to Presque Isle is in Bangor, Maine, more than 150 miles away, much ofwhich is on a two-Jane undivided highway. Travel for business or tourism would be severely impacted by a reduction in direct flights to a major hub. Critical economic activity including the timely repair ofhighly technical lumber and agricultural equipment would be delayed by any reduction in service caused by increasing the number ofstops on a flight to the
area. This includes access to the former Loring Air Force Base, and redevelopment activities centered in the region. In addition, access to border crossings maintained by the Federal Government would be more difficult. The region served by Presque Isle Regional Airport, Aroostook County, is over 6,000 square miles and travel within its borders is long and arduous, particularly during the winter months. The ability to fly directly into the community enables professional, business, and recreational traveler to continue to bring vitality and versatility to the most rural regions ofMaine. Finally, dozens ofcommunity members and businesses have responded to the airport's market survey, and additional survey requests remain outstanding. I believe thatthe information provided inthis survey will aide air carriers intheirbid process. I request that youprovide a 60- day extension ofthe bidding period to allow for the completion ofthe survey and a thorough

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### analysis ofthe results by airport and airline professionals.
Thank you for your consideration ofthese requests. Should you have any questions, please contactAllison Cullin ofmy office at (202) 224-5344. I look forward to yourprompt response.