St. Cloud wants to attract flat-rate airline

ST. CLOUD (AP) - Officials in St. Cloud are hoping to attract an airline to the city that would mean a flat rate for travelers.

Mayor Dave Kleis (klys) says the model relies on private investors pooling money to help attract a carrier.

Kleis says ExpressJet would likely be that carrier.

The St. Cloud Times reports the city has applied for a $500,000 federal grant to start that investment pool. The mayor says local businesses would kick in $1.5 million. Several businesses have already expressed interest in participating.

Tickets would be sold at a flat rate, so passengers wouldn't have to deal with fluctuating prices.

The St. Cloud Regional Airport is without scheduled airline service.