Regional Affairs
AOPA opposes Utah plan to sacrifice airport funds
AOPA is asking Utah’s governor to preserve money in the state’s Aeronautics Restricted Fund for airport improvements.
Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. has submitted a budget proposal that would take $1.6 million of the slightly more than $2 million in the fund, money that comes from aviation fuel taxes, to replace one of the state’s aircraft. The state owns two King Airs and a Cessna 206, and employs four pilots and three mechanics, for the benefit of the governor and other state agencies.
But at a time of record budget surpluses, AOPA wants the governor’s office to use other funds to purchase the airplane, leaving the airport money intact. Without that money many airports won’t be able to secure funds for needed safety improvements and expansion such as airport lighting, longer runways, and new taxiways.
With the governor’s budget proposal now in the hands of the state legislature, AOPA is encouraging members to contact the governor’s office or their state lawmakers and urge them to preserve the airport matching funds.
February 7, 2008
