"FAA: $39.5 Billion Airport Needs in 2005-2009, Down 15%"

Thursday, October 28, 2004
 
FAA: $39.5 Billion Airport Needs in 2005-2009, Down 15%
By Tom Ichniowski 
Engineering News Record


Airports will need an estimated $39.5 billion over the next five years to
meet aviation requirements, the Federal Aviation Administration says. The
total, contained in FAA's latest update of its National Plan of Integrated
Airport Systems, represents a decline of nearly 15%, or $6.6 billion, from
the previous version, which was released in 2002.
 
The new report, sent to Congress on Sept. 30, covers 2005 through 2009, but
its needs estimate only refers to improvements that are eligible for federal
Airport Improvement Program grants. Some types of airport infrastructure
work cannot be funded through AIP aid. Ineligible projects include parking
garages; hangars; air cargo facilities; and revenue-generating terminal
areas, such as stores and restaurants. Of FAA's $39.5-billion needs
estimate, the largest amount, $14.1 billion, is for runway work and other
improvements to bring airports up to the agency's recommended design
criteria, for example, to provide the clearances needed to accommodate the
wingspans of today's aircraft. 

Other categories include: $7.5 billion for capacity improvements; $6.2
billion for terminal work; $5.1 billion for reconstruction, mainly for
pavement and lighting systems; $1.9 billion for highway and transit access
to airports; $1.3 billion for safety-related projects; $831 million for new
"reliever" and general aviation airports; and $717 million for security.

The report also says that 2003 data show 80% of the runways at
commercial-service airports were in good condition and 18% in fair
condition. That compares with 78% good and 15% fair in 1986.

Noting that the FAA study doesn't look at all airport capital requirements,
the Airports Council International-North America says it is preparing a
broader-gauge survey of its members. It will include projects beyond those
eligible for AIP grants.


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