New Airlines into Rock Springs Airport

ROCK SPRINGS - The Sweetwater County Airport could be adding a big destination next year.  At yesterday's (11/06/07) Sweetwater County Commissioners meeting, manager of the airport in Rock Springs, Gary Valentine, said they are currently working with SkyWest Airlines on possible flights to Salt Lake City.  Valentine said WYDOT has been working with SkyWest on this plan for the past nine months.  Flights would be carried out from the Sweetwater County Airport on 30 passenger airliners.  SkyWest would be assuming a large financial risk to enter the Rock Springs market, and so, to develop a real partnering relationship, Valentine and the Airport Board have negotiated a financial partnership to reduce the airline's risk.  In addition to operating cost risk-sharing, the airport will provide direct marketing money to the grant program.  The proposal would have the state contribute 80 percent of the contract costs, while the community would provide 20 percent.  If flights are over 53 percent filled there will be no cost to the state or community.  Valentine tells us what would happen, however, if those flights weren't filled to that extent...Click here for Valentine...According to the Airport Manager, research shows minimal risk, but he admits that during some months the benefit will probably have to be paid.  The total risk amount for the contract would be around $950,000 when you include the state's portion.  Aeronautics administrator, Shelly Reams, said other programs in the state paid on average 25 to 30 percent of the risked amount.  The Chamber of Commerce Directors, Janet Hartford and Dave Hanks, mentioned the help it would provide our businesses.

Sweetwater County Commissioners approved their third of the risk-sharing funds, not to exceed $10,000.  The Green River City Council agreed to put a resolution to support the plan on their next agenda.  Initially, the contract would be for one year, with service hopefully starting the beginning of February.