The last time the region went through this process, a lengthy public participation program was implemented to get travelers' input to desired destinations, schedules, etc. It was a diligent, sincere effort by the Central Nebraska Regional Airport to get as much information as possible. The airport board then shared the information with the Department of Transportation. Of course, the DOT promptly discarded the local preferences and awarded Mesa Air the contract to fly to Kansas City and Omaha from Grand Island.

The two potential carriers are Hawaiian Island Air and Great Lakes Aviation. Local airport officials are encouraging area travelers to outline their preferred carriers. Hawaiian Island Air submitted 11 separate flight/schedule proposals that would be contingent on receiving EAS contracts with other cities in Missouri, Arkansas and Nebraska.

The airport is seeking local comments and recommendations from the public as to their preferred routes/schedules at a public meeting on April 7 from 8 to 9 a.m. Airline officials will present their proposals as well at that time.

The unknown factor is whether the DOT will consider the public comments in making their decision. They totally ignored the public preference and local airport recommendations the last time this process occurred. Hopefully the representatives of the federal government will take into consideration the taxpayers this time around.

Of course, this would all be avoided if the local airport could get an agreement with an airline that would not include the EAS subsidy at all. Congress is increasingly applying a deaf ear to EAS reforms and funding. As a result, the future of EAS is shaky.

The airline industry is being threatened by skyrocketing fuel costs. Safety and maintenance costs are also spiraling upwards. With major airlines consolidating operations across the country, it is increasingly hard for rural markets like Central Nebraska to get the attention of the major carriers.

Timely, cost-effective service to the right hubs is an important economic development issue, as well as key to recreational travelers. The local airport board needs the input of businesses and travelers to make their points when talking to the airlines. Travelers are encouraged to attend the April 7 meeting to give their opinions and hear the details of the two airlines' proposals.