When Colgan got the contract with CO, they wanted use to eventually fly 70seat turboprops. It seems to be the trend of this industry to continually give more flying to RJ's in the 70-100 seat range, which Republic Airways is very capable of doing. They might start off with only 145's but I will bet eventually we will see the 170's with CO's colors. Republic has started flying the 170 for Delta out of LGA, replacing some of Comair's flying in the last month. They also fly the 170 for USairways and I believe American.

Republic has and still does seem like the place for a quick upgrade!