Why is St. Cloud cutting a program in high demand?

St. Cloud State

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St. Cloud State University's decision to eliminate its nationally respected aviation program has two parties saying it's a really bad move, the Star Tribune reports.

City officials tell the paper the St. Cloud Regional Airport will lose crucial federal funding that's dependent on the  students' use of the airport:

"It's a downward spiral effect," Roger Bonn, chair of the airport advisory board said. "It's going to be bad for our airport and there's no ifs, ands or buts about it."

And airlines' predictions that they'll be hurting for pilots in coming years has others wondering why the university is cutting a field that's in demand.

"I think St. Cloud has picked the perfect time to do the wrong thing," said Steve Jones, executive director of flight operations at Western Michigan University College of Aviation.

Read the full story here.