Small Community Air Service Development Program

The Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) is a competitive federal grant initiative administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of the Secretary. This program was originally established by the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century and has since been reauthorized through multiple legislative acts, most recently the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Codified at 49 U.S.C. § 41743, the program aims to support small communities in enhancing air service connectivity, particularly those suffering from underserved or terminated air service. By providing financial assistance through reimbursable grants, the SCASDP seeks to improve access to the national air transportation system, promote economic development, and lower airfares in high-cost or underutilized regions. The program offers up to $12 million in Fiscal Year 2024 funding, utilizing both FY 2024 and a portion of FY 2025 appropriations. Funding is disbursed on a reimbursable basis and is meant to supplement local contributions rather than replace them. While cost-sharing is not mandatory, applications that incorporate non-federal cash or in-kind contributions are favored. These contributions may include fee waivers, marketing support, and community or state funds. Projects that have historically received SCASDP support range from feasibility studies and marketing campaigns to revenue guarantees and air carrier recruitment efforts. However, airport capital improvements and direct benefits to air carriers (e.g., aircraft purchases or crew relocation) are explicitly excluded from allowable uses. Eligible applicants are limited to public entities, either acting alone or as part of a consortium, including state and local governments, municipalities, and airports. Communities currently receiving Essential Air Service (EAS) or Alternate EAS funding are not eligible. Applications must describe the air service challenges being addressed, propose a strategic plan including scope and objectives, outline funding sources, and designate a legal sponsor responsible for grant administration. The program prioritizes proposals demonstrating community and air carrier support, significant local cost-sharing, public-private partnerships, and alignment with geographic or service-based diversity objectives. The 2026 application deadline is May 4 at 4:00 PM EDT. Applications must be submitted electronically via www.grants.gov and must include the SF-424 form, a completed Summary Information schedule, letters of support, and a narrative proposal of no more than 20 one-sided pages. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered, except in cases of documented technical difficulties validated by grants.gov. Each applicant must also register with SAM and have a valid UEI before submission. Projects targeting restoration of service must include historical data and rationale, and those repeating previously funded initiatives within five years must request a waiver with justification. Applications are evaluated on merit criteria established under 49 U.S.C. § 41743, including the level of community air service and fares, degree of community and carrier support, local financial participation, and whether the project provides broad benefits to the traveling public. The program also encourages regional cooperation, efficient use of funds, and timely execution of grant objectives. Award durations vary based on project type: three years for studies, four years for marketing, and five years for revenue guarantees. Post-award requirements include semi-annual reports, a final report, and adherence to federal financial and civil rights regulations. Contact for technical inquiries is Brooke Chapman at [email protected] or (202) 366-0577. TDD access is available at (202) 366-3993. Full program details and application documents can be found on the SCASDP website. Award announcements will be made in a Selection Order published on regulations.gov and the program's webpage following the review period. The final grant agreements will detail compliance requirements, allowable costs, and disbursement schedules based on documented expenditures by the grant recipient.

Include strong air carrier letters, specific market data, and clear execution timelines; demonstrate local support and sustainability plan.