November 5, 2011 '==^ 

To: EAS Service/eas@dot.gov ' rTi^i m 

From: Bob Singer, Webster County Supervisor -^^^^ p^o Q 

bobsinger(S)frontiernet.net " -r^'"' 

_ i 

EAS assistance has been a necessary part of our airport's continuation throughout the years. Those of 

us interested in local economic development have appreciated this assistance. Yet, we understand 

governmenjal assistance should normally not be forever and local service entities such as our airport 

• #@JW(^§ntually be self-supporting. .!^ . 

*-.U« , •; . ; 

Inihe'pdst 35 years our community has remained by in large on a status quo basis. During this time 

Fort Dodgejias experienced some setbacks, but yet along with local expansions of several international 

corporate facilities. Through EAS assistance our ridership has had access to major airlines carriers both 

nationally and globally despite the old 5:00am departure time and all flights stopping at another city. 

However, in June, 2010, changes were made that lead to the current 7:11am departure time and nonstop service to Minneapolis which has dramatically improved passenger numbers. In order to continue 

increasing enplanements in the future, we feel justified in requesting four daily flights from Fort Dodge. 

In addition, it is extremely important to keep fares competitive while maintaining an excellent 

completion factor. If the new service includes these elements, it is our sincere hope that enplanements 

will continue to increase to the point that EAS assistance is no longer necessary. 

I must also call to your attention significant economic developments that are occurring currently. 

Within the past 30 days Governor Branstad announced a South Korean company plans to build a $359 

million dollar plant in our industrial ag. park located 5 miles west of Fort Dodge. This facility will adjoin 

Cargill's estimated $400 million dollar starch/ethanol plant that should be operational within the next 12 

months. Indications are that combined these two plants should provide over 250 jobs. An increase in 

payroll of this magnrtude certainly will have a positive impact on Fort Dodge air ridership. Further, there 

is one over-the-fence company in addition to 2 transportation oriented companies in contact with 

Webster County ecolVogiic development representatives currently interested in this large ag. p^k.^ 

With recent local economic development successes in the forefront, please be aware that Highway 20 

four-lane should be completed across northwest Iowa in the not too distant fuure. The Iowa DOT has 

classified the Highway 20 four-lane project as one of the top five on its high priority list. Depending 

upon significant future funding it is anticipated completion could come as early as 2018. This four-lane 

connection between Fort Dodge and Sioux City will enhance enormously the ridership "pull" in over a 

100 mile westerly direction. 

It is truly regrettable that Delta Airlines has chosen to leave the smaller air transportation markets. 

Based upon available information it appears Great Lakes Airlines will provide the best replacement 

service. I encourage you to support Great Lakes Airlines along with increased daily flights plus 

competitive pricing and completion factors Great Lakes apparently is the best suited to continue the 

seamless service we have come to enjoy over the years with Northwest and most recently with Delta. 

With Great Lakes in place and EAS assistance at least for the time being, it would seem our local 

situation should continue to improve.