Rep. Panetta Secures Federal Support to Enhance Local Air Service
Monterey, CA – United States Representative Jimmy Panetta (CA-19) secured $750,000 in federal support for new air service to Chicago. This grant was awarded through the Small Community Air Service Development Program, which aims to improve Americans’ connectivity and allow people in communities like Monterey to fly more places easily and affordably.
The grant will be used as a Minimum Revenue Guarantee (MRG) for the service, with the airport investing $100,000 via the waiving of airport fees for the first 2 years of service.
“Understandably, record numbers of travelers continue to come to the Monterey Peninsula to experience the plentiful beauty and bounty of our region,” said Rep. Panetta. “This federal investment will help the Monterey Regional Airport in providing more options to the visitors as well as the locals who demand more ways to get to and from the central coast of California. This type of federal investment in our modes of transportation will help sustain our local economy and improve life quality for those who visit here, live here, and travel to and from the this amazing place that we call home.”
““We are pleased that the U.S. Department of Transportation has chosen to award this important grant to the Monterey Regional Airport,” said Michael La Pier, Executive Director of the Monterey Regional Airport. “Air service development and attraction is highly competitive. Using these grant proceeds as a minimum revenue guarantee will help position Monterey Regional Airport and our partner agencies at See Monterey and Visit Carmel in a very positive light as we continue our discussions with airlines. Our focus is Chicago, which will provide access to yet another gateway to the midwest, east coast and international destinations and improve access to our world class destination. Now it is time to roll up our sleeves and work to make this desired new service a reality.”
Grants awarded totaled $14.8 million to 20 communities in 16 states to help develop solutions to their local air service needs. Since the inception of the program, DOT has invested in more than 460 community-led projects. Grants are used to provide financial incentives for service, conduct studies on the possibilities of expanded service, and carry out marketing programs to promote existing local service, as well as address other challenges small airports may experience.
“A direct flight from Chicago would be a true game-changer,” said Rob O’Keefe, President & CEO of See Monterey. “Travelers from the Midwest are looking for what we have — an abundance of inspiring coastal experiences. In turn, their spending drives what we’re aiming for in our promotion of the destination — economic vitality and community prosperity.”
“The Chicago market represents an extraordinary opportunity for our region, and we are excited by the prospects presented by a non-stop flight to the Monterey/Carmel area,” said Amy Herzog, Executive Director of Visit Carmel. “We've long aspired to provide visitors from Chicago (and beyond) a more direct way to experience the exquisite beauty and timeless charm that define our destination."
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