Applications for the Fiscal Year 2012 Kansas Affordable Airfares Program (KAAP) were awarded in the amount of $4.75 million for the Sedgwick County proposal for Wichita’s Mid-Continent Airport and $250,000 for the Garden City Regional Airport. The $5
million total was approved by the 2011 Kansas Legislature and marks the 6th year of the program.

Inclusion of the Garden City request marks the first expansion of the KAAP program beyond Sedgwick County. The two requests for funding were received by the REAP Executive Committee Wednesday, July 6, and recommended for approval.

The Garden City proposal represents a partnership with Dodge City. The funding will allow the regional airport to initiate commercial jet service to Dallas. Under the partnership, Dodge City agrees to designate $1 million of its annual federal Emergency Air Service funding in support of the Garden City Regional Airport.

The Dodge City Airport will continue to operate, but will not offer any commercial air service.