Regional Affairs

More funding could flow to Florida airports

Publicly owned, public-use Florida airports that receive partial federal funding for improvements could be eligible for greater funding assistance from the Florida Department of Transportation. AOPA is supporting House Bill 985, which would allow FDOT to provide 80 percent of the non-federally funded portion of the airport improvements. Currently, FDOT can cover only 50 percent. This move would make the department's level of assistance for partial federally funded programs the same as those that receive no federal funding. The bill would renew FDOT funding for airport security equipment. The measure also calls for State Infrastructure Bank loans to airports for immediate repairs after an emergency, like a hurricane or tornado, while awaiting money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and insurance companies.

March 9, 2007