RELEASE: Growing Number Of Chambers Of Commerce & Business Groups Join Effort For Increased Travel Access To Washington, D.C.

Momentum Grows As Organizations Nationwide Call On Lawmakers To Modernize DCA Perimeter Rule

Washington, D.C. – The Capital Access Alliance (CAA) announced its growing membership of chambers of commerce and business groups from across the country that are calling for additional flights at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) – including more than 20 chambers of commerce and business organizations, many of them representing diverse communities. CAA’s membership includes the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Salt Lake Chamber, Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce and The Economic Alliance of Lewis County. (See the full list of member business organizations below.)

“Prominent advocates for the business community from across the U.S. are joining CAA because they understand the importance of improving affordable access to the national capital region,” said CAA spokesperson Brian Walsh. “Western states, in particular, are rapidly growing, leading to an increased demand for stronger direct access to Washington, D.C. Yet 95 percent of beyond-perimeter markets are underserved because of this 1960s-era regulation.”

The federally imposed perimeter rule, enacted by Congress in 1966, artificially limits the number of flights that can take off and land beyond a 1,250-mile perimeter of DCA. The bipartisan Direct Capital Access Act – The DCA Act – introduced by Congressmen Hank Johnson (D-GA) and Burgess Owens (R-UT) would add 28 in- and beyond-perimeter direct flights at DCA, which will increase competition, help reduce ticket prices and make travel to Washington, D.C. more affordable and efficient.

“We’re proud to have a diverse and growing number of organizations from around the country supporting this critical effort as we encourage Congress to modernize the DCA perimeter rule to provide more affordable access to our nation’s capital,” concluded Walsh.

Read what CAA members are saying:

“Communities like Santa Monica contribute to California having the fourth biggest economy in the world and increasing direct flights to D.C. will benefit all businesses in Santa Monica – both large and small – by giving travelers direct access to policymakers.”

– Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Judy Kruger

“California’s small businesses and our communities are incredibly diverse, as are our needs and concerns. These unique voices would benefit greatly from inclusive access to our national government in Washington, D.C. It is critical we have the opportunity to meet with the policymakers who are responsible for regulating and representing us to ensure everyone’s needs and concerns are heard.”

– President & CEO of the California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce Julian Cañete

“We are proud to join our CAA partners in calling for long overdue reform to our nation’s travel regulations that will have a meaningful impact on our local economy and provide the businesses and members of our community with critical access to our nation’s capital and surrounding areas. We look forward to seeing meaningful change that will benefit consumers, businesses, and the San Antonio community by expanding direct access to and from the Washington, D.C. region.”

– San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Marina Gonzales

“Utah is home to world-class companies across many industries with a growing innovation hub that could benefit from direct linkages to our capital city. We ask Utah’s Congressional Delegation to work with their colleagues on this issue to increase access to our nation’s capital. Doing so will help better serve Utah’s business community and residents across the state who are counting on more affordable, convenient access to Washington, D.C. As Utah and so many other Western states continue to grow, let’s ensure the perimeter rule is growing with us!”

– Salt Lake Chamber President & CEO Derek Miller

“Making it easier and more affordable to travel to the capital region will increase potential customers, tourism, and economic growth in our state. A stronger business climate means stronger communities.” – Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce Executive Director My Lan Tran

“The lack of accessible air travel to Washington, D.C. significantly harms the local economy and Northern Virginia businesses that depend on tourism and business travel. Additionally, it makes traveling to the western part of the country difficult for Virginia business leaders, their employees, and their families.”

– Northern Virginia Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Susana Marino.

“Improving affordable access to Washington, D.C. from New Mexico is important and helpful to our residents and businesses. We encourage our congressional delegation – including Senators Heinrich and Lujan – to continue working with their colleagues in western states and elsewhere to pass The DCA Act and open critical new travel opportunities to our nation’s capital.”

– Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Terri Cole.

CAA Member Business Groups & Chambers: