By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The city of Hays is facing a potential 50% cut to the Essential Air Service federal funds awarded to its commercial airline carrier, SkyWest/United, Mayor Sandy Jacobs announced during Thursday's city commission meeting.
The Trump administration's 2026 budget proposal includes a 50% cut to the program, which began in 1978.
"That would absolutely wipe us out in this community. I don't know how we would move forward," Jacobs said. "Without it, we would not have commercial service in Hays."
"For us, to make that up, we would have to increase our mill levy from 25 to 44. That's almost double the mills just to cover that annual subsidy," said Mason Ruder, vice-mayor.
Jacobs and the other commissioners have contacted Hays' congressional delegation in Washington, D.C., encouraging them to oppose the proposed cut.
"The airport is a huge economic impact for Hays and the region," Ruder said. "Without commercial air service, you would have to drive four hours to get to Kansas City, Wichita or Denver for a commercial flight."
Commissioners also encouraged local residents and business leaders to contact national leaders with their concerns.
"This is huge for all of us, and it's important to take our time to contact all our representatives," said Reese Barrick, commissioner, who read off office phone numbers for Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall and Rep. Tracy Mann.
The field office contact numbers are
Sen. Jerry Moran, Hays office: 785-628-6401
Sen. Roger Marshall, Garden City office: 620-765-7800
Rep. Tracy Mann, Dodge City office: 620-682-7340
"I think it's important for the Trump administration to find ways to cut wasteful spending," said Commissioner Shaun Musil, "but this is not wasteful, kind of like our water (federal BRIC grant) that got cut.
"... This keeps Hays relevant. We have doctors that fly in to perform services. We have international students at Fort Hays State University."
SkyWest receives an annual $6.5 million subsidy for commercial flight service in Hays.
Dodge City, Garden City, Liberal and Salina airports also utilize the U.S. Department of Transportation Essential Air Service program.
Crosswind Runway Reconstruction
The 22-year-old deteriorating crosswind runway at Hays Regional Airport will be reconstructed next spring.
The crosswind runway 4-22 and the main runway 16-34 will both have to be shut down for three weeks as the work is done. Major users of the airport have been notified, although the start date is not yet finalized. Helicopter operations will still be allowed.
City commissioners unanimously approved a low bid of $6,676,180 to Smoky Hill, Salina, for the project during their meeting Thursday. They also approved a construction engineer services agreement with Lochner, Lenexa, for $445,800.
The Federal Aviation Administration will pay for 95% of the $7.5 million project. The city's cost share will be 5%, or $356,000.
Hays is eligible for the FAA funding thanks to record airport boardings and participation by its commercial carrier, SkyWest/United, in the Essential Air Service program.
Covenant Estates 1st Addition
In other business, commissioners approved a rezoning request, final plat and annexation for Covenant Estates 1st Addition. The 20-acre housing project is in northwest Hays west of Thunderbird between 33rd and 41st streets.
The plat is comprised of three city blocks with 54 lots.
The developer, Covenant Land & Developing, Inc., plans to plat, rezone and annex the remaining 55 acres of property lying to the north of Phase 1 in phases from south to north during the next few years.
Mayoral Appointments Approved
The following board appointments recommended by the mayor were approved:
Executive session
A 20-minute executive session was declared at the end of the meeting for matters covered under attorney/client privilege. No action was taken.