While the U.S. House and Senate Ratchet Up the FAA Reauthorization Discussion ...

... Unison Consulting, Inc. of Chicago offers a detailed analysis of the bills each body has already passed and which await conflict resolution in a joint conference. The “white paper”, authored by the head of Unison's Grant Maximization Practice, Barry Molar, makes for interesting reading. This week, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee introduced legislation authorizing the 21st extension of current FAA reauthorization/system funding. In the process, committee chair John Mica (R-FL) and Aviation Subcommittee chair Tom Petri (R-WI) decided to add some fuel to the fire that is the EAS debate between the two bodies. Comments Rep. Petri, “The Essential Air Service provisions included in the extension are limited reforms that target the most indefensible of the subsidies. We in Congress are trying to find a way forward on addressing our deficit and long-term debt issues, but if we can't put an end to these extravagant subsidies, then we will never be able to rein in spending where really hard decisions are necessary. How can we justify subsidies of over $1,000 per passenger, or subsidies for communities that are located less than 90 miles from a hub airport?” Needless to say, Sen. John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV), who is chair of the Commerce Committee and a proponent of the EAS program, was none too happy. Says Rockefeller, “With this latest FAA extension, the House has demonstrated that it is not serious about getting a comprehensive bill done. The Senate will not consider passing an FAA extension with policy riders that hurt small communities across the country. By sending over a bill that can't pass the Senate, we risk shutting down our nation's aviation system.” For those who want to move beyond the chatter between our legislative leaders and find out more of the details of what’s in the bills already passed, the Unison study provides a thorough look at each and offers detailed comparisons. Topics include ... AIP funding levels and formulas AIP eligibility and special programs Grant Assurances, miscellaneous requirements, and administrative provisions PFC provisions Environmental provisions affecting airports Air service provisions affecting airports and their communities. The entire white paper can be found here: http://www.unison-ucg.com/docs/whitepapers/MOLAR-Analysis_of_Provisions_2011_07-19.pdf Thanks for reading. jfi