ARPA funds subsidize air service

BULLHEAD CITY – Bullhead City is pledging $65,000 toward a $150,000 package to subsidize daily air service to Los Angeles. City Manager Toby Cotter told Council Members during their Sept. 7 meeting that it’s an appropriate use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

“Other communities across the country are using some of their ARPA funds for revenue guarantees for the airlines,” Cotter said. “We believe there’s a strong connection to a healthier community and a healthier tourism environment by having daily air service for our small businesses, for our tourists, and for our folks who need to travel.”

Council Member Steve D’Amico said he hopes this initiative succeeds after previous subsidy campaigns failed to sustain themselves.

Cotter said Southern Airways Express will fly nine-passenger commuter aircraft between the Laughlin/Bullhead International and Los Angeles International airports. He said the service will likely be initiated just ahead of the upcoming holidays.

Dave Hawkins