Press Release
AAAE Outlines Priorities As Senate Prepares To Debate FAA Reauthorization Bill
For Immediate Release
February 26, 2010
Alexandria, Va. -- American Association of Airport Executives President Chip Barclay today called on leaders of the U.S. Senate to endorse as part of soon-to-be-considered Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization legislation a number of airport-related provisions that will enhance aviation safety, increase capacity, improve small community air service and save or create much-needed jobs.
In a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and other key leaders, Barclay pressed for enactment of a multi-year FAA reauthorization bill that raises the federal cap on local Passenger Facility Charges to $7.50 with indexing for construction cost inflation; increases AIP funding; rejects a controversial Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting proposal; supports small community air service programs; and permanently eliminates the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) penalty on airport private activity bonds.
Majority Leader Reid announced recently his intention to proceed to consideration of FAA reauthorization legislation within the next month. Barclay noted that passage of the FAA bill is long overdue, with some two-and-a-half years having passed since the last FAA reauthorization bill expired.
"Although Congress has approved a series of short-term extensions, the exceptionally long delay in passing a multi-year bill has held up efforts to provide airports with the financial resources they need to improve aviation safety and capacity," Barclay wrote.
A copy of Barclay's letter is available here (.pdf).
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ABOUT AAAE: Founded in 1928, AAAE (www.aaae.org) is the world’s largest professional organization representing the men and women who work at public-use commercial and general aviation airports. AAAE’s 5,000-plus members represent some 850 airports and hundreds of companies and organizations that support the airport industry. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., AAAE serves its membership through results-oriented representation in Washington, D.C., and delivers a wide range of industry services and professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, and a highly respected accreditation program.
CONTACT:
Sean Broderick
American Association of Airport Executives
sean.broderick@aaae.org
Office: (703) 824-0500, Ext. 126
Mobile: (703) 919-6873
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