FAA Authorization Bill Approved in Committee

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee has approved reauthorization legislation for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) extending program funding and taxing authority through September 30, 2012. FAA authorization originally expired on September 30, 2007 but several short term extensions have kept the programs in operation. The current short term extension ends on March 31. The House Ways and Means must take action on the part of the tax portions of the legislation. The bill would increase Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants to $4 billion in FY 2010, $4.1 billion in FY 2011, and $4.2 billion in FY 2012.  AIP program funding has been set at $3.5 billion for the past two fiscal years. The legislation also raises the cap on Passenger Facility Charges (PFC) from $4.50 per head to $7.00. Airports are allowed to set their own PFC level up to the cap and use these funds for airport infrastructure improvements.