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Arizona on path to aviation investment

Bill awaits governor’s signature

With strong support from AOPA and other stakeholders, a bill that would allocate millions to Arizona's aviation sector has made its way to Gov. Katie Hobbs's desk.

Pending legislation in Arizona would invest significant funds in the state's aviation infrastructure. Photo by Chris Rose.

AOPA provided written testimony and a letter of support for Arizona H.B.2643, which, if approved, would invest $26 million in funding for the state’s aviation fund to support the current and ongoing aviation needs for Arizona’s airport infrastructure, with $6 million going to the Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport.

With general aviation alone estimated to contribute $3.6 billion to the state’s economy by 2040, a $26 million investment into Arizona’s airport fund would go a long way to enhance the future value the state’s airports provide to local communities.

The funds are established from the collection of various fuel taxes, aviation property taxes, registration fees, airport operations, and monies collected from the sales of abandoned or seized aircraft.

“Arizona’s airports are a great asset to the state’s economy,” said AOPA Western Pacific Regional Manager Jared Yoshiki. “Airports are the training ground for the state’s future aviators and are the sandboxes for new technologies in aviation. The passage of HB 2643 illustrates the value the State of Arizona sees in its airport infrastructure. On behalf of the over 8,500 pilots, aircraft owners, and aviation enthusiasts, we thank Representative Cook for introducing this important measure.”

AOPA members are encouraged to urge Gov. Hobbs to sign the bill into law.

Niki Britton
eMedia Content Producer
eMedia Content Producer Niki Britton joined AOPA in 2021. She is a private pilot who enjoys flying her 1969 Cessna 182 and taking aerial photographs.
Topics: Advocacy, Airport Advocacy, State Legislation

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