Wyoming Airport Bill Clears Committee

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — A bill that seeks to preserve and enhance commercial air service in Wyoming has cleared a state House committee.

The House Appropriations Committee on Thursday unanimously approved Senate File 40, sending it to the full House for further debate.

Under the bill, a special council would be created for one year to solicit bids from airlines and negotiate a $15 million, 10-year contract to provide daily flights to a major airport hub from Wyoming communities that join.

In addition, up to another $1 million would be used to bolster the state's current program that subsidizes air service.

Supporters say air service is important to the state's economy and air service would be jeopardized in some communities without the proposal. Sheridan, Riverton and Rock Springs are the most dependent on subsidies.