Senator Ben Nelson Introduces "Small Airport Relief Act" To Support Rural Airports During Downturn

June 8, 2009 – Working to support rural Nebraska airports, Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson today introduced the Small Airport Relief Act of 2009 which would ensure current federal funding levels for rural airports remain stable during the economic downturn. Without legislation, multiple Nebraska airports stand to lose a significant amount of funding if they fall below the threshold required to qualify for $1 million in federal assistance through the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) in 2009.

The Senator wrote the Federal Aviation Administration about the same funding issue last week.

“Rural airports are an economic engine for the communities they serve,” said Senator Nelson. “This legislation will keep Nebraska’s rural airports upgraded, modern, and safe. Rural airports are counting on these funds. These tough times are, hopefully, temporary and rural airports shouldn’t be penalized by losing funds they need for runway work, security upgrades or other improvements to remain modern and up to date.

“I will fight to make sure our rural airports and the people they serve are ready to take full advantage of the economic recovery when it comes, which we all look forward to seeing soon.”

The Small Airport Relief Act instructs the Secretary of Transportation to determine AIP funding levels in fiscal years 2011 and 2012 based on passenger boardings during calendar year 2008 because of the harm placed on airports as a result of the financial crisis. Currently, airports are required to have 10,000 enplanements in order to qualify for $1 million in federal funds as part of the AIP. Airports that do not reach 10,000 enplanements receive $150,000. This bill would place a temporary moratorium on that 10,000 enplanement requirement. Funding levels for AIP are determined by enplanement totals during the calendar year, while funding is provided based on the next corresponding fiscal year.

In Nebraska, the airports in Scottsbluff, Kearney, and North Platte could be affected by the temporary moratorium to the AIP funding formula. Airports in a number of other rural states such as Alaska and Kansas could be affected by the formula as well. Senator Nelson is seeking cosponsors for his legislation.

Source: Senator Ben Nelson