Airport seeks online input for next DOT air service grant

The Del Norte County Airport in Crescent City is seeking community input into its future with an online survey.

The airport’s current grant from the Department of Transportation (DOT) under the Alternate Essential Air Service (AEAS) program will expire on Sept. 30.

Randy Hooper, airport director, said the airport currently uses the grant to contract with Contour Airlines for commercial air service for one daily round trip to Oakland International Airport.

The DOT has issued an Order Requesting Proposals from carriers for Essential Air Service (EAS) at Crescent City. In anticipation of receiving proposals from new carriers for EAS at Crescent City, or in potentially negotiating a new service agreement with Contour Airlines under the AEAS program, Hooper wants community feedback on what the next phase of commercial service at Crescent City should look like. 


Go to http://bit.ly/2IgSPzV to answer the quick seven questions. Hooper said the survey will probably be up until March 12.

He will then collate and submit the results to the DOT. He expects by April 2 to have a pretty good idea who has submitted proposals and who the DOT is leaning toward going with on a new grant.

Hooper does not expect any disruption in service, regardless of who the DOT goes with.

“We’re guaranteed air service by the federal government, even if it’s potentially a new carrier,” he said. “At the end of the day, the Department of Transportation will basically decide what meets the criteria of the program that best meets the needs of the community.”