Coalition Urges Congress to Oppose Lampson-Poe Amendment to H.R. 2881

Trade Groups Tell Congress to Expect More Congestion and Delays

CONTACT:
Eileen Denne, edenne@aci-na.aero (202) 293-4537

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WASHINGTON (Sept. 18, 2007) – In letters to the Speaker and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives, 12 organizations representing counties, cities, state transportation and aviation officials, airports and the construction industry, urged Congress to oppose an amendment that may be offered on Thursday, September 20, when it is expected that the House consider H.R. 2881, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2007. The amendment would lead to increased congestion and delays for travelers by reducing the amount of funds available for critical airport infrastructure projects.

"This past summer has been very challenging for air travelers – they've experienced delays and canceled flights, in addition to the airlines charging them extra for everything from food to leg room on airplanes," said Greg Principato, president of the Airports Council International-North America (ACI-NA), the leading organization in the coalition. "By allowing a small increase in a locally-based user fee, airports can fund capital improvement programs that reduce delays, enhance safety, promote competition and general economic development in communities throughout the United States."

The amendment, likely to be offered by Representatives Nick Lampson (D-TX) and Ted Poe (R-TX), would eliminate a provision in the bill to increase the cap on Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) from $4.50 to $7.00. PFCs are local fees used by airports to build for safety, security and capacity projects, including new runways, taxiways and terminals to meet passenger needs.

Led by the Airports Council International- North America, the coalition reminded both Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader John Boehner that increasing the PFC cap has broad bi-partisan support from leadership on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. In addition to Chairman James Oberstar (D-MN) and Ranking Member John Mica (R-FL), many in Congress agree with the Department of Transportation and the FAA that the PFC cap needs to be raised.

H.R. 2881 does not mandate that airports increase the PFC at their airport. Increasing or imposing a PFC is a local decision subject to consultation with airlines and the community, as well as rigorous federal scrutiny. PFCs by law must be used to fund projects that increase airport capacity and promote competition. Raising the cap on PFCs will help to reduce passenger delays and inconvenience.

The coalition includes:  Airports Council International-North America, American Association of Airport Executives, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties,  National Association of State Aviation Officials, Airport Consultants Council, Airport Minority Advisory Council, Associated General Contractors of America, American Association of State Highway and American Society of Transportation Officials, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Road & Transportation Builders Association and American Council of Engineering Companies.

View the letter.

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About ACI-NA:
The mission of Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) is to advocate policies and provide services that strengthen the ability of air carrier airports to serve their passengers, customers and communities. ACI-NA represents local, regional and state governing bodies that own and operate commercial airports in the United States and Canada. ACI-NA member airports enplane more than 95 percent of the domestic and virtually all the international airline passenger and cargo traffic in North America. Nearly 400 aviation-related businesses are also members of the association, which is the largest of the five worldwide regions of Airports Council International.