Wed, Feb 16, 2011
Praises Increased Funding For NextGen Transition, Absence Of
User Fees
The NBAA said Monday that the Obama Administration's Fiscal
Year 2012 budget strengthens the national aviation system and
preserves funding for small and mid-size airports without imposing
new, onerous user fees.
"While it will take time to analyze the full impact of the
president's budget, upon initial review, NBAA is encouraged that it
demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a national network of
airports of all sizes across the country and increases funding for
the transition to a Next Generation ("NextGen") air transportation
system while relying on the proven and efficient fuel tax instead
of user fees," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen in a news
release.
While President Obama's FY2012 budget decreases some Airport
Improvement Program funding, it preserves crucial funding for small
and mid-size public-use airports. By setting aside $1.1 billion for
NextGen - an increase of $347 million over 2010 funding levels -
the president's budget also shows a commitment to air
transportation system modernization.
The president's budget proposal comes as Congress also
continues work on reauthorization legislation for theFAA. Last
week, the Senate Finance Committee approved its version of FAA
reauthorization legislation, and the full Senate is expected to
take up the comprehensive bill this week. The bill would increase
taxes on Jet-A fuel to 35.9 cents per gallon - instead of imposing
user fees - to help fund aviation system modernization. Also last
week, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee's
Aviation Subcommittee held hearings on FAA reauthorization, for
which Bolen submitted written testimony, and work continued on a
House reauthorization bill.
"As Congress and the administration consider funding and
modernization for the nation's aviation system, we're encouraged
that the proposals we've seen so far, including the president's
FY2012 budget, reflect an understanding of the value and priorities
of business aviation," said Bolen. "We look forward to working with
Congress and the Administration to keep America's aviation system
the safest, largest and most efficient in the world."
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