Louisiana legislators tackle aviation issues

Louisiana legislators tackle aviation issues

By AOPA ePublishing staff

The Louisiana state legislature is considering several bills that could brighten the outlook for aviation in the state, and AOPA is lending its support.

Among the items under consideration are bills that would strengthen land-use planning guidelines, increase the amount of money made available to the GA and Reliever Airport Maintenance Grant program, and eliminate the need to register aircraft in the state.

“We’ve written to lawmakers in the state, expressing AOPA’s support for these measures,” said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of regional affairs. “Now we are looking forward to working with the aviation community to see these bills passed.”

The first bill, H.B.493, would create a buffer zone between airports and waste management facilities—a safety measure that can help reduce bird and animal hazards for aircraft. That bill is currently before the House Natural Resources Committee before going to the full House.

The second bill, S.B.102, would increase the maximum amount of Transportation Trust Fund money made available for GA airport grants each year from $200,000 to $300,000. That money can then be used to maintain and improve general aviation and reliever airports, helping to keep them safe. The bill has passed the Senate and is now in the House Transportation, Highways, and Public Works Committee.

Finally, H.B.1190 would eliminate the current requirement to register aircraft in the state, simplifying and reducing the cost of aircraft ownership in Louisiana. That measure is currently before the full House.

May 15, 2008