Washington DC…U.S. Rep. Tim Johnson (IL-15) has joined his colleagues in the House of Representatives and has won approval on a bipartisan amendment that restores full funding for the $63 million Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which supports the Decatur Airport and other rural airports in more than 30 states.  This action reverses a legislative attempt last week that would have cut the funding all together.

Established in 1978, the Essential Air Service program ensures that communities, which had commercial air service before deregulation, continue to receive scheduled air service.  Without EAS, many rural communities like Decatur would be completely without commercial air service.

Rep. Johnson, who serves on the Congressional Rural Caucus (CRC), worked with a bipartisan group of rural House Members who successfully negotiated an agreement to allow the EAS funding to be restored. 

"Rural communities across the country are facing many challenges, from plant closings and job loss to rising health costs and an aging infrastructure,” said Johnson.  “The $63 million Essential Air Service program is a relatively small investment that makes a huge difference for rural communities in Illinois and across the country.  Preserving air service to rural towns and communities is essential for spurring economic growth and connecting citizens and families living in rural areas to the worldwide transportation network.

Johnson continued, “I would like to thank my colleagues on the Congressional Rural Caucus and others who recognize the importance of Essential Air Service for their bipartisan support of this amendment to preserve rural air service.  Without their support, rural programs like Essential Air Service would continue to fall victim to the urban agenda.  I look forward to continuing to work with my rural colleagues to highlight the needs of rural America and to fight for programs that are important to rural communities."

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