Congress Begins Process to Re-Authorize FAA Airport Grant Program
Now that the massive highway Improvement program has been signed Into law by the President, Congress is focusing Its attention toward re-enactment of legislation to re-authorize the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The current legislation, which expires September 30, 1998, gives the FAA the authority to allocate grants for airport development to public airports and private relievers from revenues deposited in the Aviation Trust Fund. One bright spot In the proposed legislation is that general aviation, reliever, and non-primary commercial service airports stand to gain a little larger share of the pie – 20% of the total funds as compared to 18.5% under current law. However, federal funding Is a two step process. Once re-authorization ls completed, the appropriations process, which sets the actual level of funding, must begin. Bottom line, most people following the process expect that a one-year extension for AIP will be passed prior to October 1, with the funding level remaining at $1.7 billion, the same as the current year. Even so, If the Increase for programs managed by our agency increases from 18.5% to 20%, we should see a small Increase in federal funding for our statewide airport grant program. Let’s hope so.
Regional Air Service Concerns
As a result of deregulation of the airline Industry in 1978, domestic passenger travel on our nation’s commercial airlines has grown at a rapid rate. While most of this growth has occurred at larger airports, unfortunately, many smaller communities have experienced deterioration in service, higher fares, and limited travel options-scheduled flights.
Because many communities over the past few years have expressed their concerns about commercial air service, TxDOT Aviation Division hosted a meeting on April 29, 1998, to discuss this Issue. The meeting drew 47 participants from 17 communities, Including representatives from the Federal Aviation Administration and the Texas Department of Economic Development The general consensus of the participants was: (1) all communities represented at the meeting have some degree of air service problems; (2) the lack of adequate air transportation service has a significant negative impact on economic development; and (3) finding solutions to the problems could be better achieved by working together as a group. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for July 9, 1998.
Congress is well aware of the concerns of smaller communities about their air service and has begun to draft legislation intended to improve the situation. Deregulation of the airline industry has been a tremendous success for the traveling public in America. However, many smaller communities desperately need better access to our nations air transportation system. Perhaps by working together on this issue, we can improve the dialogue with the airlines and resolve some of our transportation problems. (For more details see page 6, Cities Seeking Solutions.)