ATA's May, NBAA's Bolen Among Those Testifying On User Fee Battle

Aero-News has learned Vermont Lt. Governor Brian Dubie, Chair of the Aerospace States Association (ASA), presided over a hearing on Tuesday designed to inform state leaders about the impact on their states of a funding reauthorization plan currently before congress for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The funding will support the FAA's plan to transform the nation's air traffic management system from a ground-based radar system to a satellite-based system by 2025. Vermont's Lt. Governor Dubie is leading state efforts to advise congress.

The FAA-proposed legislation currently on Capitol Hill, entitled the "NextGen Financing Reform Act of 2007," has sparked controversy throughout the aviation world with new proposals for who will pay for the system upgrade, and how they will pay.

"The states are the end users of the FAA's services, so it is critical that we understand all the issues involved in keeping the existing aviation system functioning safely and efficiently while we transition to the next generation system," Dubie said. States, he added, are particularly interested in understanding the issues surrounding funding of the aviation system. 

ASA is organization of lieutenant governors and governor-appointed delegates, formed to promote a state-based perspective in federal aerospace and aviation policy development, and to support state aerospace initiatives that enhance student and teacher education outreach and economic development opportunities.  As Dubie puts it, "ASA represents the grass roots of American aerospace." In August 2006, he launched ASA's first state affiliate, the Vermont Aviation and Aerospace Association.

The newest member of Vermont's congressional delegation, Rep. Peter Welch, attended Tuesday's hearing, as did staffers from Senator Patrick Leahy's and Senator Bernard Sanders' offices. Vermont State Aviation Administrator Rich Turner was also present for the hearing.

Following the hearing, ASA will develop a resolution advising senators and representatives on the bill's impacts at the state level. The resolution will also be delivered to each state's governor, lieutenant governor and transportation secretary. 

Dubie is also in Washington this week to attend the winter meeting of the National Lt. Governors Association.

Testifying before the ASA delegates were:

Congressional Members

• The Honorable Mary Fallin, Member, House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
• The Honorable John Mica, Ranking Member, House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure
• The Honorable Thomas E. Petri, Ranking Member, House Subcommittee on Aviation

Administration

• Mr. Dan Elwell, Assistant Administrator of Aviation Policy, Planning, and Environment, Federal Aviation Administration

Industry

• Mr. Charles Barclay, President, American Association of Airport Executives
• Mr. Edward M. Bolen, President, National Business Aviation Association
• Mr. Roger Cohen, President, Regional Airline Association
• Mr. James K. Coyne, President, National Air Transportation Association
• Mr. James C. May, President and CEO, Air Transport Association
• Mr. Henry Ogrodzinski, President and CEO, National Association of State Aviation Officials

FMI: www.aerostates.org