Regional Affairs

AOPA opposes plan to divert aviation funds from airports

The money in South Dakota’s aeronautics fund is needed for airport maintenance and improvements, AOPA told state lawmakers who proposed using the money to buy new airplanes for the University of South Dakota and South Dakota State University. Money in the state aeronautics fund, by law, should be used primarily for airport improvements and maintenance, and to provide matching funds required by federal airport grants. If the money is diverted for the purchase of new aircraft, many airports won’t be able to make needed improvements to ramps, runways, lighting, and other infrastructure, AOPA warned Gov. Mike Rounds. AOPA is asking state officials to use other funding sources to purchase the aircraft. AOPA members are encouraged to contact their state legislators or Rounds to express their support for reserving state aeronautics funds for airport use.

February 15, 2008