Imperial County informed of Three Airline Proposals Submitted to be New EAS Provider

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Category: Imperial Valley

Imperial, California - The County of Imperial has been notified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) that three airlines have submitted proposals to provide air travel services for the Imperial County Airport through the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.  Due to the emergency nature of the Request for Proposals (RFP) released by DOT just over two weeks ago, the public has until February 25, 2016 to review and submit comments relating to the proposals.

“It is really dynamic that we have three airlines that are interested in Imperial County,” said District 3 Supervisor Michael Kelley.  “The County’s Essential Air Service is critical to Imperial County transportation and I urge anybody who has any comment or concerns to step forward and share that with the Imperial County Board of Supervisors.  We will continue our fervent efforts to make this transition as successful and smooth as possible.”

Soon after the cancellation of services by Imperial County’s EAS provider SeaPort Airlines, Inc. was issued late on January 15, 2016, the County of Imperial began working with DOT who released an Emergency RFP (Order 2016-1-9) on January 20, 2016 for a replacement EAS provider with a deadline for interested parties to submit a proposal on February 3, 2016.  In response to DOT’s RFP, Boutique Air, Inc., Great Lakes Aviation, Ltd., and Mokulele Airlines submitted proposals for consideration.

The proposals are available for review on the County of Imperial’s website and www.Regulations.gov.  The public has an opportunity, and is encouraged, to offer any comments for the formal record before EAS administrators submit a recommendation to DOT’s Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs.  Comments should be sent via e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or posted on Regulations.gov Comments section by February 25, 2016.

For more information on the proposals or those interested in submitting a comment regarding the proposals, visit the County of Imperial Website.