Watertown Residents Showing Support For Denver Air Connection In EAS Process

PIERRE, (KCCR) — The public comment window remains open for residents in Pierre and Watertown to give their thoughts as the United States Department of Transportation goes through the rebidding process for both cities Essential Air Service. On Pierre’s docket, four people have put input with three of those supporting SkyWest, the city’s recommendation. The fourth was about flight times and not a recommendation on airline.  Watertown’s citizens have come out in force against that city’s recommendation of SkyWest, in support of Denver Air Connection. Seven of the eight public comments on Watertown’s E-A-S docket are in support of Denver Air. Cody Jackson is a local business owner, who said his small equipment company did work on SkyWest equipment and was not compensated by the airline. Others commented about Denver Air’s community support; giving airline tickets to local charities and one comment expressed concerns about SkyWest’s dropping of 29 E-A-S routes in 2022 and the possibility of operating as a Part 135 airline that would open the door to smaller 30-seat flights.