ALPENA - As the clock ticked down on the deadline for potential bidders to submit proposals for air service at the Alpena County Regional Airport, Mayor Matt Waligora contacted the United States Department of Transportation to see what he could do to have the the filing date pushed back. The maneuver would buy time for ongoing negotiations between the airport, the Muskegon airport and Sky West Airlines to progress.
Because Waligora is new in his position as mayor and recently involved in the process to help recruit a suitable replacement for Delta Airlines, the DOT granted his request and pushed the date back to Feb. 14.
Waligora said there is a steady stream of communication between Muskegon and Alpena and hopes a proposal can be crafted to Sky West for flights that would carry passengers from both airports to O'Hare International Airport in Chicago. Waligora said the conversations with Muskegon were spurred from reading a request for proposal issued for service there and believed if the two airports could put together an attractive package, Sky West may bid in the current RFP.
"I thought maybe there was a chance that if we could couple the two airports and come up with a proposal which was lucrative enough, maybe Sky West would bid for the service at both airports," Waligora said. "The focus right now is to see what we can put together in the next 14 days. There are still hurdles to overcome, but negotiations are continuing."
To this point Airport Manager Billi McRoberts hired consultant Boyd Group International, and a task force put together by the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce have had some communication with the DOT, Delta and other airlines, but little has been gained since Delta announced its intent to discontinue service locally. Waligora said he touched base with members of Alpena Municipal Council, Alpena County Board Commissioners and McRoberts about his involvement and to get everybody on the same page. He said it will take a concerted effort by all parties to get a good deal for the airport.
"The DOT told me as mayor I needed to be involved and I have coordinated with my own board, the county and the airport manager. I'm not out there trying to be a renegade politician," Waligora said. "Right now this isn't about who or what has been done, or who is not doing what. I'm keeping everybody involved because that is what we need. A lot will depend on how Alpena represents itself and who will be doing the presenting to Sky West. That has yet to be determined, but we must have everything in order and be on the same page."
Waligora said talks between Muskegon Airport Manager Marty Piette, Muskegon's consultant Michael Mooney of Sixtel Consulting, and representatives of Sky West are still taking place. Mooney is the air service strategists and marketing consultant for Muskegon and is in effect helping with any potential deal at no cost to local government.
"Marty was very receptive to the idea of combining service, and the consultant is also interested in the possibility of a combined proposal," Waligora said. "He has no contract with anyone in Alpena and is acting in the best interest of Muskegon. It just so happens that it could be a win-win situation for both airports."
The county commissioners hired Boyd late last year to take the lead in communicating with potential airlines, as well as review any proposals that were filed in two previous RFPs. Thus far it appears Boyd has yet to take part in any of the talk regarding Muskegon and Sky West. To date the county has spent only $550 for Boyd's services, but Commissioner Tom Mullaney said earlier this week that he would be utilized again to review proposals or if bargaining was needed.
Waligora said even though there are talks with Sky West, he is still going to be contacting other service providers to see if a deal can be struck. He said the clock is ticking, but every effort needs to be made to ensure Alpena has the air service it needs.
"Sky West is not the only option," he said. "I don't want us to put all of our eggs into one basket. I'm going to be calling other airlines today, so in case Sky West chooses not to accept our proposal, we are exploring other options."
Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.