AIR-21's Reauthorization Awaits Congress

摘要

As it gears up to reauthorize the Wendell H. Ford Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21), Congress faces the daunting challenge of trying to ensure adequate funding for airport capital improvements and security needs. Enacted in April 2000, AIR-21 boosted federal funding for aviation infrastructure programs to its highest levels ever. For example, funding for the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) has grown nearly 80 percent under AIR-21. The AIP provides grants to airports to fund most airfield capital improvements or repairs related to safety, capacity, environmental issues, and security. Planning, surveying, and design work for eligible projects also may be funded through AIP grants. However, airports may not use AIP grants to pay for improvements or repairs to terminals or hangars or for development not directly related to aviation.