At a time when it would be tempting for states to reduce funding for general aviation airports, Iowa lawmakers instead invested in GA.
As of the end of the state legislative session April 26, the state had allocated $750,000 for airport infrastructure projects and an estimated $2.2 million for the state aviation fund. Those funds will come from aircraft registration and aviation fuel taxes. Another $1.5 million has been earmarked for commercial-service airports. In addition, the state also received $10.1 million in federal stimulus grants.
During the legislative session, the only threat to GA was a state senate bill that would have eliminated the sales tax exemption on some aircraft parts. AOPA opposed the bill, which ultimately lost traction and failed to get out of committee.
“Iowa is setting a good example for other states,” said Greg Pecoraro, AOPA vice president of airports and state advocacy. “The state’s leadership is wisely investing in aviation because they understand that GA serves Iowa.”
