Airline Merger Could Hurt Utah Economy

None by KCPW

State Lawmakers Make Plea to U.S. AG

The Delta Airlines hub at Salt Lake International Airport is so valuable to the Utah Legislature, it has sent a letter of warning to the U.S. Attorney General concerning a possible takeover by U.S. Airways. Lawmakers worry U.S. Airlines would close the Salt Lake hub, since it already has hubs in Las Vegas and Phoenix.

That would be devastating to Utah's business and tourism economy, says Senate President Jon Valentine. Furthermore, he argues the move could constitute a monopoly. A letter signed by Republican and Democratic leaders of the State Legislature urges Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez to quote "carefully monitor" the proposed merger.

Last month, the Salt Lake City Council approved a similar letter.

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