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As the government shutdown nears the one-month mark, Iowa airports, particularly those in more rural areas, are paying close attention to what may happen with an essential source of federal funds set to lapse in the middle of next month.

Funding for the Essential Air Service program, which five rural Iowa airports rely on to help subsidize flights to larger airports that would otherwise be unprofitable for airline carriers, is set to dry up on Nov. 18. The program ensures airports in Burlington, Fort Dodge, Mason City, Sioux City and Waterloo can continue serving commercial flights.

The EAS program launched in 1978 after Congress deregulated the airline industry. It awards about $600 million

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