ACI-NA urges completion of FAA Reauthorization Bill for job creation
14-Sep-2010 Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA) President Greg Principato today called on Congress to complete its work on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill before a 16th extension of FAA operating authority is required at the end of the month.
In a letter to House and Senate Leadership, Principato referenced President Obama's Labor transportation infrastructure proposal and noted that passage of the pending FAA bill would provide an immediate positive impact on job creation and infrastructure.
In the letter Principato said, "If the House and Senate can agree, it will not only help turn NextGen into NowGen, but - assuming it includes the House proposal on the passenger facility charge user fee - will create 125,000 jobs each year, with absolutely no increase in the federal deficit."
ACI-NA's letter also called on Congress to include the House bill's $2.50 increase in the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) user fee in any final bill. Not only is the PFC user fee a key local financing component of the airport industry used for critical safety and security projects, as well as maintaining airline competition in local communities, it is also a jobs creator.