Nebraska, Alaska Senators Urge Support For Rural Airports

In a letter to the FAA, Nebraska's two U.S. Senators urge the administration to “utilize all available discretion and funding flexibility to support rural airports.”

"The degree to which rural communities rely upon their airports cannot be overstated," Senator Mike Johanns (R-above) said. "They are an important part of economic development and represent critical infrastructure for farmers, businesses, and families across the state. In general, passenger levels have dropped and rural airports shouldn't be punished for falling below a specific threshold. I strongly advise the FAA to utilize all options to continue the support relied upon by rural airports."

“The economic crisis has hit rural airports hard,” said Senator Ben Nelson (D-above). “These airports serve as economic engines and transportation hubs for rural communities. I am urging the FAA to continue to support these vital lifelines while passenger levels are expected to dip.”

The FAA’s Airport Improvement Program, which provides infrastructure and security dollars to rural airports, requires that all airports meet a threshold of  10,000 passengers per year in order to qualifying for $1 million in federal funding. A report on KOLN-TV indicated the economic slowdown could cause multiple Nebraska airports to fall below the below that threshold this year. 

The FAA says the AIP provides grants to public agencies, and in some cases to private owners and entities, for the planning and development of public-use airports that are included in the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. For small primary, reliever, and general aviation airports, the grant covers 95 percent of eligible costs. Runway construction and rehabilitation, airfield drainage, weather observations station, and safety area improvements are all among the types of projects eligible for funding.

There is a history of the FAA and Congress showing flexibility on the passenger requirements for AIP funding. Following the September 11th attacks, AIP funding was extended to airports that dipped below that threshold. A loss of AIP funding would stall airport improvements in many rural communities, the report says. 

Senators Johanns and Nelson were joined by Alaska Senators Mark Begich (D-second, above) and Lisa Murkowski (R-above) in signing the letter. The State of Alaska, in particular, relies heavily on GA and airports for essential services.

FMI: http://www.faa.gov/airports_airtraffic/airports/aip/overview