There is movement in Congress on a long-term Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization and a stopgap to keep the agency’s programs going for a few more months. Time is pressing because FAA funds, including aid for new airport construction grants, are slated to lapse on March 31.
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee leaders on March 9 introduced an 18-month FAA measure that would hike funding for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) infrastructure grants, but it would leave untouched the current cap on passenger facility charges (PFCs), another key airport construction funding source. The committee cleared the bill on March 16, on a voice vote, after approving more than 50 amendments.