ALPENA — The Alpena County Regional Airport has reached their 10,000 empanelment benchmark to receive its $1 million in government subsidies, according to Mark Higgins, Alpena County Regional Airport manager.

Higgins told The News that as of last week 10,000 people have flown out of the Alpena County Regional Airport, meeting the requirement to receive government subsidies. He explained that the airport will receive the $1 million as long as there are not any major changes that occur within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

“Everything is subject to change,” Higgins said.

Higgins added that the FAA is “playing catchup” due to new administration requirements.

“Some of the programs might see some disruption,” Higgins said.

However, Higgins said he was confident that the airport will still receive their subsidies.

Even though the government shutdown has continued, Higgins said that TSA agents are still showing up for work and that they will continue to get paid if the shutdown lasts to the end of November.

Higgins also explained that SkyWest Airlines will continue to offer flights even if they run out of money before the government reopens. SkyWest Airlines is contracted through the federal government to provide flights for Alpena County Regional Airport in return for government subsidies.

“SkyWest will not discontinue flights,” Higgins said. “It’s beneficial to continue those flights because they might not get them back. They might not get subsidies in the future.”

Higgins explained that SkyWest Airlines has already released flight schedules that surpass the end of November, when they will run out of federal government funding if the government does not reopen.

“Both SkyWest and TSA will continue business as usual no matter how long the shutdown lasts,” Higgins added. “TSA are considered essential employees.”

Beyond continuing business as usual during the federal government shutdown, Higgins said that the airport continues to make improvements and already has projects planned for the next five years.

“We are doing everything in our power to make it better every day,” Higgins said. “We’re working on improvements all the time.”

Higgins stated that it is important for the airport to continue providing quality services to community members and promote the area. He noted their new runway will provide the airport with 30 years of service.

Though some locals might shop around to find the best deals on flights, Higgins explained that after travel and paying for parking, flying from out of town doesn’t “add up to savings.” He also explained that Alpena County Regional Airport “is nicer” because it has “the small town draw to it.”

“It’s like you get your own private jet to start out with,” Higgins said. “I think it’s a benefit to most people.”

Kayla Wikaryasz can be reached at 989-358-5688 or kwikaryasz@TheAlpenaNews.com.