Edward Schafer on Government Reform Former Democratic ND Governor

More federal funding for FAA and air traffic control.

The nations’ Governors urge the Senate to quickly complete action on a multi-year reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) that invests dedicated Airport and Airway revenues for their intended purposes each year. The Airport and Airway Trust Fund can support significantly higher funding for both the Airport Improvement Program and the Air Traffic Control Modernization program than is currently contained in the Senate reauthorization. We urge the Senate to increase funding levels for these programs by using the Airport and Airways Trust Fund receipts for their intended purpose.

Governors, along with our partners in the Coalition for TRUST - a broad coalition of business, labor, farm and state and local officials - recognize that insufficient investment in transportation jeopardizes economic growth. Furthermore, the Governors recognize the safety, security and other broad public benefits provided by the FAA and support a guarantee of continued general funding for FAA operations.

The Governors ask for your help in completing a conference with the House on this critical legislation prior to August 6 in order to avoid a lapse in funding.