Proposed cut to aviation program may hurt rural Alaskans

Like several presidents before him, President Donald Trump would like to cut the Essential Air Service, according to his recently proposed budget, which eliminates the $175 million program. It’s raising concern in Alaska, where 62 communities rely on the EAS for affordable flights.
Grant Aviation CFO Rob Kelley says aviation is the only way to move people and goods in and out of many Alaska villages. Grant has 18 EAS contracts to communities in Southwest and the Aleutian Islands. He hears