2001 Milestones
Airports Launch Legislative Initiative to "Ease" Gridlock
(March 12, 2001) -- ACI-NA submitted a legislative proposal to Congress and the Bush Administration that would reduce aviation system gridlock. The goal is to speed runway construction and other critical expansion projects at the nation's most congested airports by both streamlining and expediting current environmental reviews. The proposal is titled the "Expedited Airport System Enhancement (EASE)" initiative.
Airports Mark Progress, Cite Capacity Shortfalls, on Air-21 Anniversary
(April
4, 2001) - ACI-NA marked
the first anniversary of landmark aviation legislation citing both progress
made and serious challenges ahead.
Main components of AIR-21 included increasing AIP funding to $3.3 billion for FY '02 and raising the Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) to $4.50. Dollars generated for local airports by PFCs are used for improvements that directly benefit passengers and communities - for safety, security, and noise mitigation, as well as building terminal and landside infrastructure to meet the ever-growing need for air transportation. The dollars that result from PFC contributions go directly to reducing delays at the facilities where they are charged.
ACI-NA Calls on Congress to Focus on Airports after Terrorist Attacks
(September 25, 2001) – ACI-NA President David Z. Plavin called on Congress to provide much-needed assistance to airports whose operations are endangered as a result of the terrorist attacks. During his testimony before the U.S. House Transportation Aviation Subcommittee, Plavin emphasized two major areas for consideration – financial relief for airports and additional measures in the screening of passengers.