Bipartisan Moran bill ramps up competitive grants to help small airports grow

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) on May 3 signed on as the lead original cosponsor of a bipartisan bill that would authorize federal grants for small airports around the country to help grow their air carrier services.

The Small Community Air Service Enhancement Act, S. 1438, which is sponsored by U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), would make improvements to the Small Community Air Service Development Program by increasing available funding for the competitive program, according to a bill summary provided by Sen. Moran’s office.

“Every flight counts in small communities with limited access to air travel, where each flight can have a significant impact on drawing new businesses and families to a region,” Sen. Moran said. “Strengthening the Small Community Air Service Development Program will help small airports attract commercial flights increasing connectivity across the state of Kansas.”

The Wichita Airport Authority, the Manhattan Regional Airport, the Airports Council International-North America, and the American Association of Airport Executives endorsed S. 1438, which has been referred to the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for consideration.

“Expanding reliable air service is essential for Montana so we can lower flight costs, create jobs, and keep families connected across our state,” said Sen. Tester. “That’s why I’m teaming up with Sen. Moran to reauthorize the Small Community Air Service Development Program, which helps our rural airports offer more flights and support travel and commerce in Montana for years to come.”