PIERRE, S.D.(KCCR)- The City of Pierre has options when it comes to commercial air service for the next two years. Pierre’s current Essential Air Service provider Denver Air Connection presented the only bid to continue serving both Pierre and Watertown. Mayor Steve Harding says city staff will take a hard look at the options next week.
Pierre and Watertown both have three options to pick from; 12 flights to Denver or 12 flights split evenly per week between either Chicago or Minneapolis. Harding he has heard a lot of public support for choosing a Denver/Minneapolis option but doesn’t want the recommendation of the city to impact enplanements.
Harding says while the city has collected comments from residents the most effective way to suggest a route is for the public to post recommendations directly to the federal docket.
The cities of Pierre and Watertown have until January 20th to make a recommendation to the United States Department of Transportation. While that recommendation is given significant consideration the ultimate decision comes down solely to the U-S DOT.