Advocacy

February 10, 2023

ACEC Outlines Priorities for Aviation and Airports Bill

Council President Linda Bauer Darr sent a letter to the leaders of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee and the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee outlining the industry’s priorities for legislation to reauthorize Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) programs and airport funding.

The current law is set to expire on September 30 at the end of the current fiscal year. Reauthorization and reform of FAA, including the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), is a key legislative item for Congress this year.

“ACEC is focused on aviation and airport infrastructure policies that enhance safety, ensure environmental protection and remediation, facilitate economic development, and meet the growing needs of the traveling public,” Darr wrote. “Our top priority is designing 21st century aviation infrastructure that supports the safe and reliable movement of people and goods,” which requires increased AIP funding levels, expanded eligible uses for terminal projects, and lifting the cap on Passenger Facility Charges.

The letter also highlights continued interest in expanded utilization of Unmanned Aircraft Systems for a wide variety of engineering-related services, and the need to integrate drones and other advanced air mobility technologies into the national airspace. ACEC is also seeking additional resources and guidance for sustainability planning at airports and PFAS remediation.

The congressional committees have begun hearings on FAA policies, and leaders have committed to efforts to advance a timely reauthorization before the current bill expires.

View the letter.

 

All comments to blog posts will be moderated by ACEC staff.