Council Approves Resolution Regarding Air Service Plan
Written by Andrew-Rossi on February 7, 2018
The Cody City Council yesterday approved a resolution in support of legislation that would create a task force to look into a long-term, statewide air service plan.
The plan, which was pitched to local officials in January by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, would task the agency with contracting with airlines using a capacity purchasing plan. This would take the burden off local airport boards, eventually securing lower fares and better schedules for local airports.
Governor Matt Mead has pledged his support by proposing that $15 million dollars be put into the ENDOW initiative towards this program. Cody City Administrator Barry Cook explained to the Council at last night’s meeting that the resolution before the Council was to support legislation to create a planning group to study the feasibility of the purchasing plan.
Although Council expressed some concern that this study may not find the proposal favorable to the local air service options, they did unanimously approve the resolution in support of the legislation.
However, Senate President Eli Bebout of Riverton, said while he supports the Wyoming Department of Transportation’s work on a long-term, statewide air service plan, he is not in favor of giving the Aeronautics Commission, quote, “a $13 million blank check,” endquote. Bebout told Fremont county officials last week the air service plan needs more work before the Legislature acts on the bill.
