Overview

March 2-4, 2010
Washington, DC

The first year of the 111th Congress found aviation interests competing with many other national priorities – economic recovery; health care reform; climate change; financial reform just to name a few as a new Administration took control of the reins of government.   The Administration now has a year under its belt and the majority of its key players in place. The Obama Administration’s Fiscal Year 2011 Budget, due out in February, will provide our first real glimpse of their aviation priorities beyond NextGen.

Crucial Issues to be Discussed:

• Continued efforts in securing a multi-year FAA reauthorization with a Passenger Facility Charge increase and without any language relating to Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). 
• The two- year waiver of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for private activity bonds obtained in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expires at the end of the year, and we are mounting an all out push to make the provision permanent.
• In addition, the Senate is expected to consider the authorization of the Transportation Security Administration, which the House completed in the first session, and climate change will be on the agenda in the Senate as well.

The AAAE/ACI-NA Spring Washington Conference will discuss these crucial airport issues and how they can be accomplished in today’s every changing political environment.   The conference will begin with two roundtables on Tuesday, March 2.  Wednesday, March 3 key Members of Congress will share their insight on airport issues while House and Senate staff will provide their viewpoints on the issues, timing and likely outcomes.  Administration officials will also speak to the conference to outline their priorities and answer questions. Then the real work begins as you head up to the Capital Hill to educate your Congressmen and Senators on the airport industry’s priorities.

Click here to view the agenda (PDF) as of Feb. 25.