Fri, Feb 07, 2003
NATA President James K. Coyne has generally
commended President Bush's Fiscal Year 2004 budget for meeting the
security and infrastructure demands of our nation's air
transportation system. The budget abides by the funding
guarantees established within AIR-21 for airport development and
infrastructure. AIR-21 is set to be re-authorized by Congress
this year.
In addition to fully funding the Airport Improvement Program as
established within AIR-21, FAA operations received a modest
increase in funding for FY '04. However, Coyne did stress his
concern over the decline of funding allocated to the Facilities and
Equipment and Research, Engineering and Development accounts within
the President's budget.
"The future of aviation rests with this country's
endeavors and advancements in modern technology," Coyne
explained. "Funding reductions in these two accounts at this
critical stage within the aviation industry is not the correct
course to sail."
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which will be
heading to the new Department of Homeland Security under the Border
and Transportation Security branch, has been allocated $4.8 billion
in the President's FY '04 budget.
"We hope that this funding allocation will allow the TSA to
dedicate the personnel and resources necessary to successfully
implement the Private Charter and Twelve-Five security programs
affecting America's on-demand air taxi operators," Coyne
explained.
In a new era of escalated terrorist activity
necessitating re-allocation of federal funding dedicated to
addressing this threat, Coyne stated that the President and his
Administration are doing an outstanding job.
"The President's 2004 budget reflects the appropriate national
priorities required in this new age of terrorism, including
dedicated funding to America's aviation security and infrastructure
needs," Coyne concluded. "We applaud the President for making
difficult but necessary decisions during this time of heightened
concerns and look forward to continuing our work with his
Administration on issues affecting America's aviation
businesses."
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