FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 23, 2010
Contact: Selena Shilad: (202) 550-2547
Matthew Hager (218) 330-7447
Alliance for Aviation Across America Praises Senate’s Unanimous Passage of FAA Reauthorization
Washington D.C. – The Alliance for Aviation Across America applauded the U.S. Senate for passing a multi-year FAA Reauthorization bill (HR 1586) by a vote of 93-0 yesterday. The House approved its own version of a multi-year “reauthorization” of programs and funding for the FAA last year. In response to yesterday?s developments, the Alliance released the following statement:
“We commend the Senate for passing this critical piece of legislation, which will continue the important process of modernizing our air traffic control system to a Next Generation Air Traffic Control, or ‘NextGen,’ system based on satellite technology. In passing this bill, Senate leaders recognize the need to invest in the nation?s aviation system, so that everyone ? including small towns and rural areas ? benefit.
“Importantly, the bill raises the necessary funding for modernization by building on the existing, pay-at-the-pump fuel tax, which is simple, efficient and easy to use. The bill also supports the Airport Improvement Program, which is crucially important for small airports across the country, many of which do not have commercial airline service, and which serve as a lifeline for businesses, medical care providers, disaster relief workers, law enforcement officials and a host of other important services for small towns and communities across the country.
“We look forward to working with Members of both the House and the Senate as they finalize this important piece of legislation, and on other issues important to small towns and rural communities areas around the nation.”
Formed in 2007, the Alliance for Aviation Across America is a non-profit, non-partisan coalition of over 4,400 individuals representing businesses, agricultural groups, FBO’s, small airports, elected officials, charitable organizations, and leading business and aviation groups that support the interest of the general aviation community across various public policy issues.
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