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Multi-Year Authorization

Multi-year authorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and national aviation programs expired on September 30, 2007. Temporary and continuing authority has enabled the FAA to continue its operations, but this has not been a reliable way to authorize and fund the FAA and its programs. This temporary authorization has also caused disruption to the FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

AASHTO Recommendations

AASHTO recommends that Congress and the Administration:

  • Advance aviation needs to coincide with the President’s plan for economic recovery.

  • Pass a multi-year reauthorization for the Federal Aviation Administration and programs.

  • Fund the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) through existing fuel-tax based mechanisms at the maximum levels that can be sustained by the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.

  • Continue with innovative financing methods such as a state infrastructure bank and state revolving loan programs.

  • Guarantee that all revenue dedicated to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund is spent each year for its intended purpose, and that there is a continued commitment of federal general funds for FAA Administration and Operations.

  • Maintain and fully fund the Essential Air Service and the Small Community Air Service Development Program.

  • Provide greater flexibility in the use of Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), increase the cap to $7.50, and index the cap to inflation.

  • Expedite the environmental review process for aviation projects while preserving all environmental protections.

  • Continue the State Block Grant Program for voluntary participation by all qualified states.

  • Provide sufficient funding to ensure implementation of adequate safety and security measures at commercial airports and general aviation airports where risk exists. Funding should not be diverted from the user-based AIP program for federally mandated security projects which benefit all Americans.