Congress rejects effort to ground rural air service

If there’s one Montana bird at risk of having its wings clipped whenever Congress discusses transportation, it’s the federally subsidized Essential Air Service.

EAS is a 30-year-old program that assures that far-flung rural areas aren’t completely cut off from air service when commercial airlines pass them by. The program has been a lifesaver for Montana communities more than a three hour drive from commercial air service.

By Tom Lutey

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