Washington, D.C. - U.S. Representative Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced today that the U.S. Department of Transportation is accepting applications for the Small Community Air Service Development Grant Program.  The DOT expects to award $19.9 million dollars to help communities address their local air service problems, such as high fares and insufficient levels of service.

"It is important that we all have access to affordable and reliable air service," said Cramer.  "This grant opportunity can help relieve many of the problems that affect our community's small commercial airports.  I am pleased that the DOT is offering these competitive grants again this year."

This is the third year that the Department of Transportation has supported this program.  The program was established in 2000 by the Wendel H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century.  Applications are due by May 14, 2004.  For more information, please visit http://dms.dot.gov.