AOPA urges final passage of Michigan's New Airport Funding Plan

A bill that could generate up to $1 billion for airport projects in Michigan faces an uncertain future in the state Senate. Both Houses of the Michigan legislature have approved the Airport Safety and Protection Plan (ASAP), but the Senate plans a vote to reconsider, possibly as early as today.

Because the legislation would benefit general aviation airports, AOPA strongly supports the plan (House Bill 4454) and urges members in Michigan to contact their state senators to support the bill.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to fund airport projects in Michigan," AOPA Great Lakes Regional Representative Bill Blake said. "The state normally spends around $2 billion a year on surface transportation. A funding mechanism for aviation such as the ASAP program is just as important."

ASAP will be funded partially by the Metropolitan Airport vehicle parking tax and will not require any new revenues. It will fund projects at the state's 98 public-use airports. Citing the expansion of air travel and new security requirements that are putting increased demands on airports thought the state, the bill's supporters see this plan as a way to increase airport projects and, at the same time, create more jobs and safer airports.

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