Congress approves bill to protect air service for Ill. communities | News

MARION, IL (KFVS) - Congress approved a bill Monday night that protects air service for Illinois communities.

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin announced that the Senate approved legislation that will ensure Illinois communities including Marion, Quincy and Decatur will remain part of the Essential Air Service program.

The FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act was approved by the House of Representatives last week and will now go to the President for his signature.

Durbin said the the bill helps rural areas keep the commercial air service they have now and attract new service in the future.

The legislation passed Monday night is the product of a joint House and Senate Conference Committee tasked with working out the differences between a House bill and a Senate bill both passed early last year. While the original House bill eliminated the EAS program, the Senate bill maintained the program with some cost saving reforms. The final bill fully funds essential air service and puts in place important reforms to ensure communities can retain quality air service to rural communities.

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