Important news for air travel in rural Alaska. The U.S. Department of Transportation says $41 million in funding has been secured to support the Essential Air Service Program .

The program, which helps keep more than 60 small, rural airports in the state operational, had been at risk due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Federal officials say this funding will keep the program running at least through early November.

Back on October 6, the Department had notified EAS-eligible communities and participating air carriers that a shortfall in appropriated funding could force suspensions of contracts and reimbursements until the budget is fully restored.

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