BOISE (KTVB/AP) -- The Boise Airport has been selected to receive a $700,000 grant to pursue nonstop flight service from Boise to Atlanta with Delta Air Lines.

The Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce in a new release Thursday says the grant is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Community Air Service Development Program.

The chamber also says it secured a local match of $273,000 from southwest Idaho businesses and organizations to help with the effort.

Airport Director Rebecca Hupp in a statement says the airport has had a goal of getting a nonstop flight to the eastern United States and the grant is essential to attracting the new route.

Officials say most of the money will be used for startup costs and the risk of starting a new service.

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