Many observers expect President Bush's nominee to lead the Dept. of Transportation, Mary E. Peters, to win Senate confirmation. If the predictions prove correct, the former head of the Federal Highway Administration will have to get up to speed on hot transportation topics beyond roads and bridges. Perhaps the toughest legislative item on DOT's 2007 agenda will be reauthorizing Federal Aviation Administration airport grants and other programs. The key problem will be striking a deal on financing the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.
If the former FHWA chief is confirmed as DOT secretary, one major issue she will face will be a bill to reauthorize FAA programs, including airport grants. Major airlines will fight with general aviation interests over how much they will pay to finance the Airport and Airway Trust Fund.