SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) – The Watertown and Pierre Regional Airports will continue to operate flights despite running out of federal funding on Sunday.

Federal funding for air travel in rural areas will run out October 12 if the government is still shut down, but managers of both Watertown and Pierre airports say travelers will not see any delays or cancellations to their flights.

“Right now there's no service interruption or nothing planned, so our community is safe,” Watertown airport manager Ian Meriwether told KELOLAND News.

The Essential Air Service (EAS) is a program through the Department of Transportation that provides federal funds so airlines can operate out of small, rural airports.

SkyWest, the federal essential air service contract holder for both airports said they will

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