Group to provide analysis of commercial air service, future needs

A group of Wyoming leaders met in Casper Tuesday, June 20, to discuss the future of commercial air service and its importance in the state’s economy.

The meeting was a brainstorming session to examine current and future needs in aviation and develop a task force to identify additional alternative funding sources for aviation in Wyoming.

WYDOT Aeronautics Division administrator Amy Surdam said WYDOT is working on an analysis of what consistent, reliable, affordable air service in Wyoming would involve. This analysis will be available when the group meets again in late summer.

Air service generates $1.4 billion in economic activity in the state annually and supports more than 12,000 jobs, according to the 2013 Economic Impact Study for Wyoming Airports prepared by ICF International, Kramer Aerotek and Jviation.

“Wyoming’s airports and air service are a critical part of our state’s economic development strategy,” WYDOT Director Bill Panos said. “Our goal is to restore and expand rural air service in Wyoming.”

The group discussed existing and future state and federal programs that fund air service. Currently the state receives funding from two federal programs including the Essential Air Service (EAS) program and the Small Community Air Service Development (SCASD) program. However, only two airports get EAS funding – Cody and Laramie. The EAS program may also be cut at the federal level.

The SCASD program is a competitive, one-time funding grant program. Cheyenne, Riverton and Sheridan have recently received grant funding through the program that awards only 20 communities from 200-300 applications each year.

“Air service is essential in the recruitment and retention of business in Wyoming,” said Wyoming Business Council (WBC) CEO Shawn Reese. “Not having consistent, reliable air service throughout the state is one of the biggest issues when trying to recruit new business or expand existing business.”

The 2013 study indicated 90 percent of businesses rely on commercial airline service, and many businesses factor in air service when determining where to locate. The study found that 38,000 non-aviation jobs in the state had improved efficiency through the use of air service.

“Reliability and consistency are key and having a longterm vision is critical for the economic future of Wyoming,” said Jerimiah Rieman, director of Economic Diversification Strategy and Initiatives and coordinator of the Economically Needed Diversity Options for Wyoming (ENDOW) initiative.

In addition to Surdam, Reese, Rieman and Wandler, the meeting was attended by  Sheri Taylor, WYDOT Air Service Development manager; Kim Porter, WBC; Jay Lundell, Wyoming Air Operators Association president; Kari Cooper, JHAir executive director; State Sen. Michael Von Flatern, Air Transportation Liaison Committee; Cindy DeLancey, Wyoming Business Alliance; State Rep. Tom Walters, Air Transportation Liaison Committee; Nick Wangler, Forecast Inc.; Pete Illoway, WBC; Rick Kaysen, WAM executive director; Shawn Burke, WYDOT Air Service Development analyst; and Pete Obermueller, Wyoming County Commissioners Association executive director.

For more information, contact WYDOT Senior Public Affairs Specialist J.L. O’Brien at 307-777-4439 or j.obrien@wyo.gov.