ASTORIA, Ore. -- Two companies have submitted proposals to provide at least two daily, nine-passenger flights to Portland from Astoria and Newport.

Cape Air of Massachusetts and Air Azul of Florida will present their plans to city of Newport and Port of Astoria leaders at a meeting in Newport next week.

The agencies have a $3.6 million grant through the state's ConnectOregon II program to subsidize the cost of establishing air service.

The attempt to restore coastal air service comes as rising fuel prices have led airlines to drop flights to smaller markets elsewhere in Oregon.