Subsidy cuts could mean 'death spiral' for small airports in upper Midwest

FARGO — For nearly 40 years, the federal government has subsidized commercial passenger flights to out-of-the-way towns like Devils Lake, N.D., and Thief River Falls, Minn.

Proponents of the program, known as Essential Air Service (EAS), say it supports small airports and helps rural economies stay competitive. But it's often criticized as congressional pork.

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/4242109-subsidy-cuts-could-mean-death-spiral-small-airports-upper-midwest