Today a story ran about
Cape Air, which is funded in part by federal Essential Air Service
subsidies. Rural communities such as Cape Girardeau that lie a great
distance from a major airport once could be made eligible to receive the
funds, but no more can qualify, due to recent changes to the law.
The
122 currently qualifying communities can use the funds to attract and
retain an air carrier. The thinking is that, without the subsidy, the
community would be isolated from the air travel system and ticket prices
would be unaffordable for local residents.
There are always
comments in stories about subsidies in which people say they think they
aren't necessary. And comments saying they are important.
What
do you think? How important is it to make sure the Cape Girardeau area
has access to a public airline, if it means using federal subsidies? How
important is it to local business to maintain the link to air travel?
Story and Reaction/Comments: http://www.semissourian.com
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