WASHINGTON, D.C.(KMIT)- Three South Dakota airports could be spared more than $4 million in fees over the next ten years to maintain passenger air service after a bill was amended, thanks in part to Representative Dusty Johnson.  The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed bipartisan legislation making significant reforms to our nation’s aviation system. Originally, language in that bill, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation (SGRLAA) Act, would have charged rural passenger airports extensive new fees to participate in the essential air service program.  It would have affected airports in Pierre, Aberdeen, and Watertown.  During a hearing on the bill this week, Representative Johnson said it is important for the nation to be connected.

He says air service is part of that connectivity.

Johnson spoke specifically about the Pierre airport.

The amendment to spare those three airports from the new fees was adopted into the final package by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and will move to the House floor.