IRON MOUNTAIN — Crucial federal funding for passenger air service at Ford Airport is up for renewal early next year, Dickinson County commissioners were reminded Monday.

During citizens’ time at the county board’s finance meeting, Liz Murray said SkyWest Airline’s contract for Essential Air Service runs only through January. Legislation authorizing EAS funding through 2028 was signed into law during the Biden administration, but President Donald Trump had proposed ending EAS subsidies during his first White House term.

Murray suggested the board be mindful Ford Airport issues “could blow up come the first of the year.”

EAS supports flights for about 175 rural communities across the United States, mainly those where commercial airlines would not typically operate. Project 2025, a conservative governing blueprint that Trump said during the 2024 campaign was not part of his agenda, calls for ending EAS to “free hundreds of pilots to serve larger markets with more passengers.”

SkyWest’s latest contract through the U.S. Department of Transportation is part of a five-airport order that includes Sault Ste. Marie; Rhinelander, Wis.; and Brainerd and International Falls, Minn. Operating under the Delta brand, SkyWest has served as Ford Airport’s EAS carrier since 2012.

In December 2023, the Federal Aviation Administration renewed SkyWest’s contract at a much higher rate through Jan. 31, 2026. The previous annual federal subsidy was up to $3.87 million. It climbed to $7.07 million in 2024 and up to $7.56 million this year, according to the DOT order.

Preliminary figures show 20,244 passengers boarded flights at Ford Airport in 2024, compared with 18,486 in 2023 and 20,622 in 2022. Airports with at least 10,000 annual boardings are considered primary airports for purposes of federal Airport Improvement Program funding. AIP is Ford Airport’s main source for financing capital projects such as resurfacing runways.

In other action Monday, the county board:

≤ Approved a letter to Michigan legislators calling attention to a recent County Veteran Service Fund grant recalculation that resulted in a total reduction of $3.66 million statewide. The letter calls for a restoration of the funding. Controller Brian Bousley said Dickinson County’s loss of $15,000 shouldn’t lead to

reduced veterans service office hours, but some counties may see a significant impact.

≤ Learned the Dickinson County Veteran Service Office at 2301 Woodward Ave., Kingsford, will host a gathering from 10 a.m. to noon Friday in recognition of National Vietnam War Veterans Day, which is Saturday. Commissioner Joe Stevens said the day is also an opportunity to thank and recognize all veterans.

≤ Adopted a resolution recognizing establishment of the Dickinson County Fair Board in 1910. The resolution is part of the documentation requested by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission as the fair board moves to acquire a Class C liquor license. Attorney Emily Gunville of Iron Mountain, who is working to finish the license transfer, said a property document in the name of the fair board will also be needed. In September, the county moved to help the fair board acquire the license, expecting it would end the practice of allowing alcohol carry-ins at Norway Speedway. Since then, four new members have been seated on the five-member county board and the fair board has raised the possibility of selling the license at a profit.

≤ Approved reissuing a Dickinson County Fair credit card in the name of new Fair Board Chairman Chuck Parker and removing the name of former Chairman John Degenaer Jr.

≤ Heard County Clerk-Register of Deeds Carol Bronzyk say her office is considering a proposal from Tyler Technologies Inc. to pay jurors through a card system where the cost to the county is 99 cents per card. The current system of disbursing payments by check is time-consuming and a problem for the treasurer’s office when checks aren’t cashed, she said.

≤ Learned from Bousley a committee meeting may be scheduled to address differences between the Felch Senior Center and the Dickinson-Iron Community Services Agency regarding senior meal services.

≤ During citizens’ time, heard introductions from Mindy Meyers, executive director of the Dickinson Area Economic Development Alliance, and Tony Edelbeck, a member of the DAEDA Board of Directors. Edelbeck said the alliance reorganized eight years ago with a goal of having 80% of its financial support from businesses and 20% from government. Currently, the funding is about 84% private, he said. Meyers said 96 volunteers assist the alliance’s efforts to drive growth for business, education, government, community organizations and residents in the Dickinson area.

≤ Granted a request from Bethany Leiter, community relations manager for Highline Internet, to provide a letter of support for Highline’s continuing efforts to access grant funds to create new fiber broadband connections.

≤ Authorized Lake Antoine Park Partners to again conduct Lights at the Lake, beginning with setup Oct. 18. The displays are lit from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, with an open house Dec. 12. This will be the fifth year of community groups and businesses decorating Lake Antoine campsites with holiday displays. Spectators may drive the route as many times as they wish at no cost.