Congressmen Lamborn and O'Rourke Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Help Regional Airports

Press Release

Congressmen Doug Lamborn and Beto O'Rourke (TX-16) have introduced bipartisan legislation designed to update the eligibility requirements for Department of Transportation grants that helps expand service at small and underserved airports.

Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) grants provide much-needed boosts for small airports across the country to pay for advertising and other startup costs associated with new airline routes. These grants may only go to airports considered small hubs or smaller by the Federal Aviation Administration. The law authorizing SCASD stipulates that only airports considered small hubs in 1997 are eligible for the program. The grants typically range in value from $100,000 to $900,000.

The 21st Century Small Community Air Service Development Program Act eliminates the current requirement that limits grants to only airports that were classified as small in 1997.

Airports that would benefit from the legislation: Colorado Springs, El Paso, Tucson, Louisville, Reno-Tahoe, Will Rogers in Oklahoma, Tulsa, and Guam

"I am happy to be partnering with Congressman O'Rourke on this bipartisan reform legislation. It is important that our aviation laws reflect the most current status of our airports. The Colorado Springs Airport is a fantastic facility that is making real strides of progress. My hope is that this legislation is one more tool that will allow the Colorado Springs Airport to continue its transformation and add more air service to our region."

- Congressman Doug Lamborn (CO-05)

"Thank you to Congressmen Lamborn and O'Rourke for introducing this much-needed piece of legislation. Having the ability to be competitive for SCASD grants will be very beneficial as we work hard to increase service at the Colorado Springs Airport."

- Colorado Springs Airport Aviation Director Dan Gallagher

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