Substitute for House Resolution No. 59.

            A resolution to urge the President and Congress of the United States to continue funding the Essential Air Service program throughout Michigan.

            Whereas, The Essential Air Service program was established after airlines were deregulated to ensure that small communities previously served by certificated airlines maintained commercial service. The Essential Air Service program is used to help provide business leaders, recreationalists, and residents reliable air travel to and from small airports around the country, including five airports in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and has transported countless individuals since the program's enactment; and

            Whereas, The Essential Air Service program is important to the economic well-being of northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in towns such as Alpena, Muskegon, Pellston, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Sault Ste. Marie, Manistee, and Houghton-Hancock. Northern Michigan is renowned for its vast mineral deposits and rugged wilderness that have long supplied American industry with affordable, domestically-mined metals and timbers for manufacturing. The region's breathtaking scenery and lakeshore are some of the most stunning in the Midwest. Such a large expanse requires reliable air travel to make the region's mines, forests, lakeshores, communities, and colleges as accessible as possible; and

            Whereas, President Trump has asked for a reduction in the Essential Air Service's budget. Businesses depend on reliable air travel to and from small airports in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula, and airports require funding from the Essential Air Service program to maintain critical infrastructure like runways, lighting, and safety equipment. Any reduction in federal funding for this vital program will harm economic activity in the Upper Peninsula and have a direct and negative impact on American manufacturing and these communities; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we urge the Congress and President of the United States to continue to fund the Essential Air Service program throughout Michigan; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States, the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.