Texas was recently named as one of four additional states to participate in the State Block Grant Program. Under the program, the state will take the lead role in carrying out the Airport Improvement Program for general aviation non-reliever airports. This potentially will allow for greater state discretion in selecting and managing projects within several categories of AIP funding and will hopefully improve the delivery of federal funds to the airport sponsors. According to Ed Scott, NASAO Executive Vice President, with the state aviation agencies administering Airport Improvement Program funds, airport managers, consultants, contractors as well as the pilot community, can be assured that their airport projects will be funded in a timely and efficient manner and at less cost.