State bill no good for Texas airports, AOPA says
On Tuesday, AOPA Southwest Regional Representative Shelly Lesikar deZevallos testified before the Texas House Transportation Committee in opposition to House Bill 2955. The bill, advanced by the town of Addison, would provide the town with additional authority to set new fees for access to the airport, circumventing the rules followed by the state's other airports. She told legislators that no other state has taken such dramatic action just to benefit one town that controls one airport. While the bill currently is targeted at Addison Airport's adjacent property owners, its impact could extend to all airport users. "This bill simply is not necessary," said deZevallos. "The town already has all the authority it needs under the current transportation code." After taking testimony from Addison officials, the airport manager, and several Addison airport tenants, the committee did not take action and left the bill pending. AOPA encourages you to contact Texas Transportation Committee Chairman Mike Krusee and let him know your opposition to the bill. The companion Senate Bill (1462) has not yet been scheduled for a hearing.
April 20, 2007
