FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 18, 2000

Washington, D.C. - The leaders of state government aviation agencies converged on Capitol Hill this week to press for quick passage of the FAA Reauthorization and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) bill, AIR-21.

National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) President, Henry Ogrodzinski, said, "The voices of all 50 states are clear and united on this issue. The governors, state legislatures, state secretaries of transportation and state aviation agencies all endorse and support the concepts embodied in this bill. We are calling upon the full Senate to encourage prompt and fair consideration of the bill, which is stalled in conference committee. We have every confidence that the Senate will do the right thing because this bill is right for the national air transportation system, right for the nation’s economy and right for every American."

NASAO members visiting Senate offices emphasized that passage of a multi-year bill, guaranteeing that all dedicated aviation trust fund revenue is spent each year for its intended purpose while maintaining a general fund component, is imperative. Ogrodzinski said, "This bill is a predictable and consistent funding plan which will restore order to the airport maintenance, development and construction process. Aviation trust fund taxes should not be siphoned off to subsidize other programs when our aviation system is facing gridlock. But, the trust fund alone can not do the job. AIP was designed to pay for construction, not FAA salaries. The general fund component reflects the genuine public interest in the entire national aviation system and the deep and abiding federal interest in the safety, security, certification and regulation of all aspects of aviation. Aviation is one of the most important engines driving the national economy and all Americans reap the tremendous benefits of the world’s finest aviation system.

The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO), representing the nation’s secretaries of transportation, is compiling a survey, in conjunction with NASAO, which will demonstrate the funding needs across the country and how the lapse in AIP funding has devastated airport construction programs. Ogrodzinski said that the two organizations would jointly provide the data to the National Governors’ Association (NGA) which is also meeting in Washington DC this February. It is hoped that the governors will use this information in their meetings with Senators.

"NASAO is part of an extraordinary strategic alliance including the NGA, Southern Governors’ Association, National Conference of State Legislatures and AASHTO. Together, we represent the needs of the citizens of every state in the union, Guam and Puerto Rico. Together, we are committed to the passage of this essential legislation," Ogrodzinski said.