Task Force on Pierre Regional Airport Service Holds First Meeting

Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Task Force on Airport Service Holds First Meeting
The Capital Journal, U.S.

An overview of the intricacies of airline service was
part of the air service task force’s first meeting
Monday night.

Airport manager Mason Short explained the airline
industry and its ripple effects on the Pierre Regional
Airport.

Laurie Gill, a city commissioner who was named
chairwoman of the task force, said backgrounds of the
city airport and the commercial airlines currently in
use was also given.

“We talked about the intricacies of airlines and
pricing and scheduling, so that all the members
understood how airlines make their decisions. That
will be crucial as we start to put together another
plan ... regarding air service into the Pierre
Regional Airport,” Gill said.

The task force members were familiarized with the
executive summary of a survey done about a year ago,
as well as copies of the federal grant the members
will be working with.

One of the task force’s responsibilities will be to
oversee all of the activities funded through the small
community air service development pilot program.

Gill also noted that the city is getting closer to
hiring a consultant for improvements to the air
service, and the city commission could have a name
before them for approval as early as Feb. 3.

Once the consultant is hired, the task force will be
involved in outlining the course of work for the
consultant, Gill said.

The air service task force’s next meeting has not been
definitely set, but is expected to be held
mid-February to coincide with a visit from the chief
executive officer of Great Lakes Aviation, one of the
two commercial carriers that operates out of the
Pierre Regional Airport.

Gill noted the task force is a working task force, and
its meetings are open to the public. Meetings will
likely be held monthly.



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