Basic essential air service availability of compensation

(a) In general Section 41733(c) of title 49, United States Code, is amended— (1) by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (4); (2) in paragraph (1)— (A) by striking (1) If the Secretary and inserting the following: (1) Application If the Secretary; (B) by inserting after compensation under this section. the following new paragraph: (2) Requirement For any application submitted pursuant to paragraph (1), such application shall include a contingency plan that provides for the continuation of air service to the eligible place in the event of a disruption that is not related to weather.; and (C) by striking In selecting an applicant, and inserting the following: (3) Considerations In selecting an applicant,; and (3) in paragraph (4), as so redesignated, by striking Under guidelines and inserting Rate of compensation. —Under guidelines. (b) Applicability The Secretary of Transportation shall ensure that the amendment made by section 2(a)(2)(B) shall apply not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act. (c) Conforming amendment Section 41736(c)(2)(A) of title 49, United States Code, is amended by striking section 41733(c)(1) and inserting section 41733(c).