Gov. Ted Kulongoski will announce the formation of a statewide coalition to work on the need to preserve air service for Oregon’s regional airports, today.

The announcement will be made to local officials and business leaders at about 1:30 p.m. today in Elvis’ Restaurant, 2016 Airport Way in Pendleton.

The governor will highlight the need for a strategic statewide transportation plan, a press release said.

This is in response to recent events, such as Horizon Air’s announcement at the end of June that it will end service at Southwest Oregon Regional Airport on Oct. 11.

Termination of Horizon’s service means the airport will no longer have flights between North Bend and Portland.

Local airport officials will not attend the Pendleton meeting because it conflicts with a Coos County Airport District meeting at 5:30 p.m.

The termination of Horizon’s Portland service at the Klamath Falls airport was announced in June as well.