... in the current funding debate. That was one of the key messages during a funding reauthorization discussion featured at the Airport Planning, Design & Construction Symposium, co-sponsored by the Airport Consultants Council and the American Association of Airport Executives this past week in Reno.
The FAA and Bush Administration are proposing dramatic changes to how we fund the air transportation system, and new “user fees†have gotten much of the ink to date. But proposed changes to passenger facility charges are also on the table, alterations that are being more readily received by industry. In fact, airport groups have been clamoring for more PFC freedom practically since the program’s inception. They want higher – or no – caps and more freedom to decide on what to spend the money.
Rusty Chapman, manager of the Southern Region Airports Division for FAA, says the agency proposes raising the PFC cap to $6 from the current $4.50. Krys T. Bart, executive director for the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority and current vice-chair for AAAE, says that’s not enough. Since the current PFC cap is not indexed for inflation, she notes, airports are already behind the financial curve. She thinks $7.50 is a more reasonable number. Both Chapman and Bart welcome the proposed changes to allow PFC monies to be used more broadly. Bart’s comment on the agency’s proposal to remove restrictions: “I think that’s terrific.â€
When it comes to funding, stay tuned. Thanks for reading.
jfi
