Vernal, Moab Win Mesa Air Service

Vernal, Moab Win Mesa Air Service
Matheson an Advocate for the Upgrade

Washington DC-Congressman Jim Matheson said both Vernal and Moab will see upgraded air service as a result of the selection of Mesa Air, d/b/a Air Midwest, as the carrier to serve both markets. The Department of Transportation awarded the Essential Air Service contract for both locations to Mesa, which proposes to operate 19-passenger planes for two daily nonstop round trips between Vernal and Salt Lake City, and Moab and Salt Lake City.

The EAS subsidy rate was set at $562,720 for Vernal and $1,298,784 for Moab. The Essential Air Service program provides federal support for air service in small communities and isolated areas.

"Vernal is at the center of the Uintah Basin's booming energy development. It has no access to passenger rail or bus service so reliable air travel is critical to its growing economy. Moab's tourism business is also dependent on thousands of national and international visitors being able to fly into Grand County," said Matheson. "That is why I have been a strong advocate with DOT for appropriate funding of EAS and for the carrier that offers the best quality of service."

http://www.house.gov/matheson/press2006/060323.html