The U.S. Department of Transportation will award more than $11.9 million from the Small Community Air Service Development Program to help 14 small communities in 14 states improve their air service.
The department received 40 applications from 25 states, requesting nearly $32 million.
Recipients can use the grants to provide financial incentives to carriers, conduct studies on the possibilities of expanded service and execute marketing programs to promote existing local services. Jurisdictions can also use the federal money to address other challenges small communities and airports may experience.
The financial assistance helps communities establish first air services, restore lost services and support new routes to improve connectivity.
The federal agency has issued nearly 500 grants, helping communities develop projects tailored to their air service needs.
