FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 28, 2003

State Aviation Officials Call for Quick Passage of Multiyear AIP Reauthorization

Washington, D.C. - The members of the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), the state government aviation agencies in all 50 states, Guam and Puerto Rico have began sharing their recommendations on AIR – 21 reauthorization with Members of Congress.

 The states are calling for a four year AIP reauthorization beginning in 2004 with $3.5 Billion and an annual increase of $100 Million.  They are also asking Congress to create a separate source of funding for aviation security to supplement the AIP investments already made in security.

 NASAO’s concise eleven point briefing paper is attached.

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