fJlNTAt-I COfJNTY

r.,

COMMiSSIONERS:

Darien;} R. Burns

MiC!18eiJ. McKee

Mark D. Raymond

ASSESSOR - Rolene Rasmussen

/\TTORNEY - G Mark Thcrnas

CLERK~AUDiTOf~ Michael W. \Nilkln5

RECORDER - Randy J. Simmons

TREASUREK - Wendi Long

SHER!FF - Jeff Merrill

SUfWE:YOF, Jonn Slau'lh

tTATf OF UTAI-f

August 19, 2013

Dennis Devany

A.1. Muldoon

Department of Transportation '

1200 New Jersey Ave., SE

Washington. D. C. 20590

Re: Essential Air Service Request

Dear Sirs:

First, allow us to express our appreciation for Essential Air Service (EAS). As you are aware our

community is growing. EASis an important component of the services offered which have bolstered

that growth. Ten years ago it would have been difficult to imagine we'd be where we are today!

Last Thursday, August s". Uintah County and Vernal City officials held their joint monthly meeting. An

agenda item and discussion centered on the transportation needs of this area and the part that Essential

Air Service plays. At the end of the discussion a vote was taken and the group unanimously voted to

request a change from Great Lakes to Sky West for Essential Air Service.

There are a few reasons for this proposed change. First, this community has been working for several

years now to build its enplanements to 10,000 thereby triggering the million dollar level needed to

upgrade our airport and service. Several years ago, when Great lakes 19 seat Beach Craft 19000 was

awarded the EASfor this area it was a move in the right direction. But the area continues to grow and

we expect that by offering an upgraded service the EASmarket will do the same. Sky West is willing to

serve our community with a 30 seat Brasilia which for us is an incredible opportunity!

Another consideration is a recent market study which indicated that 80% of flights booked by people

from this zip code, 84078, were booked out of Salt Lake City. Sky West services Salt Lake City.

Previously there was concern over abandoning Denver service as many of the extraction industry

workers and executives expressed a desire to fly out of that hub. But, in recent conversations they have

stated they could be equally satisfied with a Salt Lake City connection.

Finally, over the past couple of years, using a Great Lakes/Denver service, there have been some

challenges booking flights that are often full and ticketing luggage through to destinations. The

L ~M __ ~ _ COIINT'/ BWLDING ' 152 fA!J JOC NCRm o V['PNAL. lITA/-f 84078
increased reliability of Sky West would also help with our ultimate goals. It is believed that having the

Sky West/Delta/Salt lake City connection could solve much of that. Salt Lake City Airport is expanding

but is nowhere near as large as Denver.

In assessing the needs of our airport these are all significant factors which, if successfully addressed, will

help us reach the needed 10,000 enplanements. Knowing you have the best interest of our airport at

heart, we trust you to carefully consider these factors and we look forward to your decision. Please let

us know should you have additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Uintah County Commission

Darlene R. Burns, Commissioner

Michael J. McKee ornrmssrcner

Vernal City

Gary owa er, Mayor