Development News From Southwest Indiana (8/11/04)

Grant paves way for flights to Indianapolis

By HERB MARYNELL Courier & Press staff writer
A $1 million federal grant announced Monday should pave the way for resumption of intrastate flights from Evansville and South Bend to Indianapolis.

"I think we're on the verge of starting up service," Evansville Mayor Jonathan Weinzapfel said. "This is good for Evansville and good for economic development efforts."

The flights to Indianapolis could start as early as November with the grant, officials have said. "I'm hoping this is the icing on the cake," Weinzapfel said.

The $1 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant should allow officials "to put together an attractive package" to encourage an airline company to reopen flights between Evansville and Indianapolis, he said.

He said Evansville Regional Airport officials have talked to an airline about a package to resume the flights. "I think they have one set up," he said.

The announcement of the grant from the Small Community Air Service Development Program was announced by Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind.

Evansville and South Bend had been turned down for the grant the past two years. The in-state flights were dropped in September 2001 as airlines cut out least profitable flights across the nation when air traveled slowed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The Evansville flights drew 23,000 passengers a year during the 1990s.

Evansville and South Bend have tried to sell advance tickets to prospective travelers to help an airline resume the flights. Both cities also have pledged $500,000 to help subsidize a package for resuming intrastate flights.

Weinzapfel said the packages "rested on getting the grant."

The funding also will help subsidize the cost of intrastate travel to make air fares more affordable, Bayh said in a news release.

"Evansville has been disconnected from the state's capital for too long," Bayh said. He said bringing the link between the cities "will help grow local economies and increase business among Hoosier entrepreneurs."

Weinzapfel called the program "a win-win situation for Evansville workers and business owners."

Weinzapfel, while serving as a state representative before becoming mayor this year, supported legislation passed by the Indiana General Assembly to allow airports to use a portion of the airport cumulative building funds for developing intrastate air service.

For more information on the Evansville area, contact:
Ken Robinson, 812-423-2020

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