CAA: Legislative Update, "Full Senate Appropriations Committee Marks-Up FY02 Spending"

["Stephen Irwin" <stepheni@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Thursday, July 12, 2001

Senate Appropriations Committee Marks-Up FY02 Spending
AAAE/ACI-NA


The Senate Appropriations Committee has just unanimously approved the FY
2002 DOT spending bill. It is largely similar to the measure approved this
morning by the Transportation Subcommittee.

More good news however for airports with the inclusion of report language
urging the FAA to work with airports to expedite the process for
transmitting electronic fingerprints to the FBI as required by last year's
Airport Security Improvement Act. Also note, during full Committee
consideration, Senator Stevens, the Committee's Ranking Member, reemphasized
his interest in placing firm deadlines on runway construction projects.

To recap, here are the highlights:

   * Airport Improvement Program was fully funded at $3.3 billion.

   * Facilities and Equipment was fully funded at $2.914 billion.

   * Small Community Air Service Development Program was funded at $20
million.

   * The bill includes $50 million for Essential Air Service Program.

   * A General Provision allowing airport funding of project-specific staff
or consultants was included.

   * General Provision prohibiting cost-free space was also included.

   * The Contract Tower Program was fully funded at $70.5 million.

   * $195.8 million was appropriated for research and development.

   * The House bill provided $27.6 million for aircraft noise research.

   Post your comments in the CAA Legislative Forum
http://www.californiaaviation.org/cgi-bin/dcforum/dcboard.cgi?conf=DCConfID5

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