SMALL AIRPORT RELIEF ACT OF 2009
June 15, 2009
What’s at Issue
On June 8, 2009, Senator Benjamin Nelson (D-NE) introduced S. 1202, the Small Airport Relief Act of 2009 to support rural Nebraska airports to ensure that current federal funding levels for rural airports remain stable during the economic downturn.
Why It’s Important
Without legislation, multiple Nebraska airports stand to lose a significant amount of funding if they fall below the 10,000 enplanements annually threshold required to qualify for $1 million in federal assistance through the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Airport Improvement Program (AIP) in 2009. In Nebraska, the airports in Scottsbluff, Kearney, and North Platte would benefit from a temporary moratorium to the AIP funding formula. Airports in a number of other rural states such as Alaska and Kansas could be affected by the requirement as well.
Major Provisions
- S. 1202 would provide funds to airports for fiscal years 2011 and 2012 based on passenger boardings during calendar year 2008 to prevent additional harm to airports already struggling due to the nation’s financial crisis.
- Airports are currently required to have 10,000 enplanements annually in order to qualify for $1 million in federal funds as part of the AIP. Airports that do not reach 10,000 enplanements receive $150,000. This bill would place a temporary moratorium on that 10,000 enplanements requirement.
NATA Position
NATA supports S. 1202 to ensure that rural airports can not only operate but also maintain a safe and modern infrastructure. NATA commends Senator Nelson for offering this important legislation and for his foresight in realizing that rural airports shouldn’t be penalized by losing funds they need for runway work, security upgrades or other improvements to remain modern and up to date.
Status
The U.S. Senate has referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for further vetting. NATA will inform members if the committee intends to hold a hearing or vote on the bill.
Staff Contact:
Kristen Moore
Director, Legislative Affairs
kmoore@nata.aero