DECATUR - American Connection Airlines hopes lower prices can get a rise out of the discerning Central Illinois traveler.

The airline recently announced that it has slashed prices to fly out of Decatur Airport to boost the number of travelers.

"There has never been a better time to travel from Decatur's Airport. With the cost of automobile gas today, why drive?" said William Mishk, vice president of marketing for American Connection Airlines.

He said the goal behind cutting the air fares is to help Decatur Airport capture more travelers in Central Illinois.

"I think this provides an opportunity for Decatur travelers to participate more in (travel) increases that other cities have had," Mishk said.

And the airport needs more people using its gates to qualify for the $1 million in federal funds the airport receives each year for infrastructure.

So far, about 5,025 people have boarded planes at Decatur Airport from January through June, compared to 7,218 at the same time last year, airport Director Gene Marcinkowski said.

"Now we have to make that up," he said. "The next six months are critical. We have a $6.3 million taxiway project going on and need the money. This (federal) money helps the park district keep up the infrastructure of the airport, runways, taxiways and airport parking ramps."

If Decatur's airport falls below the required quota of 10,000 at the end of the year, its eligibility level for federal funding ends, and the airport receives a comparably meager stipend of $150,000 a year in state funding.

The ticket prices may help.

What was a round-trip cost of $486 to fly from Decatur to New York City is now $238. What was a round-trip cost of $330 to fly from Decatur to Washington, D.C., is now $218. And if you're heading to Florida, what was a round-trip cost of $346 to Tampa is now $258.

Rhonda Seward with Carlson Wagonlit Travel-Atlas Agency in Decatur said she already has seen the impact of lower air fares Wednesday after booking several people on flights out of Decatur.

"Decatur prices already have other airport prices beat," she said. "The lower fares will be great for our airport. We have a nice airport that is underutilized."

During peak summer time, major U.S. airlines are spiking fares for domestic and international flights because of higher fuel costs. Carriers such as American, United and Delta raised most round-trip fares by $10 last month, according to the airline industry.

But American has more latitude and freedom to lower fares compared to United, which is still emerging from bankruptcy, said Marcinkowski.

The lower fares out of Decatur will place the airport in a comparable position with other cities in Central Illinois, Marcinkowski said.

"I appreciate American getting us back into the ballpark," said park board member Jack Kenny.

"For flying Decatur, it looks like the time is now," park board President Chris Riley said in a news release. "These great fares should spark anyone's travel plans. This may be the chance for more folks to join us in Decatur as we host the 2005 Farm Progress Show at the end of August," Riley said.

Sheila Smith can be reached at sheilas@;herald-review.com or 421-7963.