WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- On Monday, January 6, 2025, the City of Watertown received proposals for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which provides commercial airline service to Watertown. The program is heavily subsidized by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and requires periodic rebidding to ensure the best use of government funds.

Assistant City Manager/Public Works Director Heath VonEye:

The city, through the mayor and City Council, needs to make a recommendation about which company to choose by February 7th. This will likely be an action item on the February 3rd Council meeting agenda.

Next Tuesday, the 14th, everything will be presented to the airport board.

Similar bids were brought to the Pierre Regional Airport.