Regional Affairs

Private New Jersey airports could get more protection

A bill being introduced in the New Jersey Senate would provide an extra layer of protection for privately owned airports. Sen. Jeff Van Drew is sponsoring S.B.1581, a companion bill to a measure currently in the Assembly, which would prohibit local governments from acquiring by condemnation any airport that has had its development rights purchased by the state. “The recent closing of Twin Pine Airport in Pennington is another reminder that the state needs to provide protection to privately owned airports,” said Joey Colleran, AOPA manager of state legislative affairs. “While this bill wouldn’t have saved the airport, it has the potential to save dozens of other privately owned airports.” Educating lawmakers about the bill will be one of AOPA’s top priorities during the New Jersey Aviation Awareness Week at the state capitol from May 19 through 23.

April 25, 2008