Aberdeen is still awaiting word from Washington about a small community air service development grant in the amount of $500,000 to be used to lure jet service to the Hub City. Dave Osborn, city transportation director, said the city should know by early August whether the city will receive the grant. The city would use the funds to lure Northwest to bring jet service to Aberdeen by offering to pay for the unused seats on the flights.
The city has unsuccessfully applied for the grant in the past while Sioux Falls and Rapid City airports have received the funds. Sioux Falls is not applying this year and has thrown its support behind Aberdeen's bid.
Aberdeen officials hope to secure jet service for the first flight out and last flight in every day at Aberdeen Regional Airport. Those two flights are the most popular for the airport. Jet service would add 14 seats to the current amount available per flight.
The federal government awards 40 small community air service development grants each year.
