Airport funds could subsidize carrier

Editorial Focus: Los Angeles World Airports should apply immediately for a share of $30 million in federal funding set aside to assist communities - such as Antelope Valley - which have lost air service.

The Palmdale Regional Airport lost air service last April when United Express pulled out, leaving the high desert region flightless.

The Senate legislation will increase flights at some of the nation's busiest airports while trying to keep the skies over national parks quiet by limiting overflights.

The legislation renews Federal Aviation Administration programs for two years and provides $10.1 billion in fiscal 1999 for FAA safety, security and building projects.

The bill passed the Senate on a vote of 92-1. The only dissenting vote was by Sen. Charles Robb, DVa.

At a meeting in Palmdale in July, airline executives were pessimistic about providing air service at the local terminal. If air service were to return to Palmdale, it would have to be subsidized, said Larry Clark of United Airlines.

If that's true, then the $30 million in grants to airports that have been deprived of service could be the answer we've been waiting for.

We urge the Los Angeles World Airports immediately to apply for a portion of the $30 million package. The money should be used to subsidize any airline that would be willing to restore air service in Palmdale.

It is ridiculous that our worldfamous aviation-oriented community is grounded, unable to provide flights for our nearly 400,000 residents.

Los Angeles World Airports has pledged to do whatever it can to reinstitute air service in Antelope Valley.

The $30 million appropriation may just be our frequent-flier ticket to providing airline flights to and from Palmdale.

Let's go for it!