Essential Air, new slogan, web page good combination

McCook has dodged a bullet in its battle to stay competitive in the economic development battle.

On Monday, the Senate gave final congressional approval to the Federal Aviation Administration Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, which includes continued funding for Essential Air Service subsidies for McCook.

It does tighten requirements, specifying that airports serving an average of 10 or fewer passengers per day will receive no EAS funding unless they are at least 175 driving miles from the nearest large- or medium-sized airport.

Alliance, McCook and Chadron meet the requirements of that exception, positioned more than 175 from the big airports.

"This bill is a win for airports in Nebraska and across our country because it will help ensure that we have an effective, efficient and safe transportation network and will help put people to work on important infrastructure projects," Sen. Ben Nelson said. "An effective transportation network is critical to our national security, economic development and job growth," Nelson said.

The law also gives the states a say in determining the driving distance between the smaller and larger airports when awarding EAS funding, allows the North Platte, Scottsbluff and Kearney airports access to Airport Improvement Program funding, and allows the Transportation Security Administration a new type of scanning system.

Now that airline service is continuing, a new website and promotional effort is up and running just in time to help fill some of those seats.

"McCook, the Go To City of Southwest Nebraska" is the new slogan that is the result of months of work from groups and individuals representing entities under the Vision McCook umbrella, such as Community Hospital, McCook Area Chamber of Commerce, the City of McCook Red Willow County Tourism and Visitors Committee, McCook Public Schools, Mid-Plains Community College, Heritage Square Committee and the McCook Economic Development Corp.

Sen. Nelson also played a key part in that effort, through a donation during the McCook Quasquicentennial Celebration.

The Vision McCook message is a good one -- we're a good "go-to" place for career opportunities, to start a business, enjoy a good lifestyle or enjoy recreation and tourism spots.

Together, creating an attractive web destination, as well as a physical destination and the speediest means of reaching it make for a good combination.