Washington, D.C. [April 05, 2007]—Significantly boosting investment in the nation’s federal airport construction program is key to developing the aviation infrastructure capacity necessary to accommodate the expected dramatic growth in passenger and freight air travel over the next 15 years, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) March 28 told a House panel.

The current aviation reauthorization law, “VISION 100-Century of Aviation Reauthorization Act,” expires September 30. Congress is considering the future of America’s aviation system, including the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), which funds airport construction projects.

Figures released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) show expected passenger and freight travel to rise 63 percent and 105 percent, respectively, by the year 2020. The FAA “National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems” also found an annual $4.7 billion shortfall between federal AIP needs and current investment levels.

“Like much of the nation’s transportation network, the civil aviation system is facing a dual crisis—demands on the system far exceed available revenues, and existing airport infrastructure capacity is saturated,” ARTBA said in testimony submitted to the House Aviation Subcommittee. “Compounding this situation is the fact that passenger and freight aviation travel are expected to dramatically increase in the coming years. Clearly a comprehensive solution to this challenge must be developed, and expanding airport infrastructure capacity is a major component of that solution.”

ARTBA pointed out that only one new major airport and seven new runways were built at major airports from 1991 to 2002, and increasing construction material costs are eroding the purchasing power of recent AIP investments. The association also voiced support for an increase in passenger facility charges (PFC), which airports are allowed to impose to generate capital funds, but urged PFC revenue be dedicated to aviation infrastructure improvements.

“Upgrading America’s aviation infrastructure is about more than just relieving congestion and improving the efficiency of airline operations. It is about securing America’s place in the global economic marketplace,” ARTBA said.

Established in 1902, ARTBA has been a key player in the passage of every major federal transportation investment law, beginning with the first Federal-Aid Road Act (1916), the Interstate Highway System Construction Program (1956), ISTEA (1991), TEA-21 (1998), AIR-21 (2000), VISION 100 (2003) and SAFETEA-LU (2005). Information about the association can be found at www.artba.org.

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Editor’s Note: The complete text of ARTBA’s testimony can be found in the “government affairs” section of www.artba.org.