New York Pilot Action Alert
The issue: Funding for general aviation airports in New York
Senate Bill 2000 is presently before the Senate Transportation Committee. This bill would enact the “Airport Improvement and Revitalization Act of 1999,” providing assistance in the form of grants and loans to public-use airports for capital improvements and technical assistance for the revitalization of airports in the state. AOPA strongly supports Senate Bill 2000.
Why it’s important
By creating a state airport improvement and revitalization program and making certain proceeds of the privatization of the Stewart International Airport available, the state can dramatically improve its ability to address the growing needs of its aviation system in terms of airports and safety. The growth and economic benefits of the state’s air transportation system through aviation hinges on the proposed program because it allows for the needed airport improvements and maintenance to be made in accordance with the State Aviation System Plan (SASP).
The issue of state airport funding has become critical. Funding the Airport Improvement and Revitalization Act of 1999 has to be considered a priority because the airport funds associated with the 1993 New York State Aviation Transportation Program have been exhausted. Aircraft owners and operators in New York pay excise and sales taxes on fuel and sales and use taxes on aircraft sales, leases, parts, and labor. Yet none of these monies are funneled back to aviation for maintenance of the state’s airport infrastructure. Lack of airport modernization because of funding shortfalls is a serious threat to air transportation, especially for general aviation airports.
What you should do
Contact the Transportation Committee members and the other legislators listed below by letter, phone, fax, or e-mail and let them know that you support Senate Bill 2000 and the Airport Improvement and Revitalization Act of 1999. If you write, fax, or e-mail your views on this issue, please forward a copy to AOPA State Legislative Affairs, 421 Aviation Way, Frederick, MD 21701; fax: 301/695-2214 .
Who to contact
| Senator Caesar Trunzo Senator Seymour Lachman Senator Roy Goodman Senator Owen Johnson Senator John Kuhl, Jr. Senator Thomas Libous | Senator Patricia McGee Senator Raymond Meier Senator Michael Nozzolio Senator Frank Padavan Senator Anthony Nanula Senator Suzi Oppenheimer | Senator John Sampson Senator Ada Smith Senator Leonard Stavisky The Honorable Sheldon Silver The Honorable Ronald B. Stafford The Honorable Joseph L. Bruno |
April 19, 1999
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