The federal Department of Transportation announced Wednesday that it will provide funding for its Essential Air Service and Alternate Essential Air Service programs through at least Nov. 2.

The announcement came two days after the Department of Transportation sent a notice alerting airport officials that federal funding for flights at regional airports would be cut off after Sunday, Oct. 12, amid the government shutdown.

Should there be a prolonged lapse in government appropriations that extends beyond Nov. 2, the Department of Transportation will notify air carriers and communities in advance of that date, the amended notice states.

Because of the amended notice, Altoona-Blair County Airport Manager Tracy Plessinger said airport officials will continue to provide AEAS payments to Contour Airlines for its jet service to the Charlotte Douglas International Airport.

“Whether or not the government funding is delayed, Contour has committed to flying the flights,” Plessinger said in an interview Thursday. “We have a great relationship with them and we expect that to continue on into the future.”

Plessinger said the amendment is great news for all rural communities.

“I think the fact that the DOT was able to come up with money to extend the EAS program just shows the importance of the program for rural communities to keep us connected to the national air transportation system,” he said.

John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport Manager Cory Cree said he agrees.

Under the amended notice, funding will be guaranteed for SkyWest Airlines to continue its services to the Chicago O’Hare International Airport and Dulles International Airport, which serves the Washington, D.C., area, through at least Nov. 2, Cree said.

“We’re pleased with that. That’s a relief,” Cree said.

Like Contour’s promise to continue services at the Altoona-Blair County Airport, Cree said SkyWest officials also pledged, prior to Wednesday’s announcement, to provide uninterrupted service at the John Murtha Johnstown-

Cambria County Airport, even if funding was cut off.

“We were pleased with that as well,” Cree said. “Our air carrier was planning to continue to provide service regardless of the shutdown.”

Federal Transportation Security Administration employees are still working, without pay, at both airports, officials said.

Mirror Staff Writer Matt Churella is at 814-946-7520.