Western Iowa 5th District Congressman Steve King Thursday commented on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s decision to select American Eagle Airlines to provide essential air service (EAS) at Sioux City. King, a Republican, from Kiron in northwest Iowa, said he was “Pleased that the DOT has granted the City of Sioux City’s request and selected American Eagle as the EAS provider in Sioux City.” 

King added that he’s hopeful that the service will help to increase the air traffic in and out of Sioux City. He acknowledged that “Commercial air service is an important driver of economic development and growth in today’s fast-paced, interconnected, and global economy,” and that “Sioux City has historically done very well to leverage community assets like reliable air service to attract new opportunities.”

He said Thursday’s decision ensures that the City will “Be able to continue to do so for the foreseeable future.”