Order could keep Dodge City, Garden City connected

? A tentative federal order would allow Dodge City and Garden City to continue offering commercial flights.

The Dodge City Globe reports that the U.S. Department of Transportation issued a “show cause” order selecting American Eagle Airlines to provide commercial flights between Garden City and Dallas.

The order marks the latest chapter in a debate that began earlier this year, when Dodge City officials faced the possibility that Congress would cut funding for the Essential Air Service program, which subsidizes commercial flights in small communities.

The order also tapped Great Lakes Airlines to offer flights from Dodge City, Great Bend, Hays and Liberal to Denver.

People who oppose the order have until Wednesday to raise objections.