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Press Room: Press Releases

March 8, 2000

ROCKEFELLER SAYS NEW FEDERAL AVIATION BILL MEANS MAJOR FUNDING BOOST FOR WEST VIRGINIA AIRPORTS

— Bill Takes Comprehensive Approach to Improving Air Service in Small Communities —

WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), said today that a final agreement on a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Airport Improvement Program bill will dramatically increase funding for airports across the state. The Senator, who helped to craft the legislation through months of negotiations, said the bill takes a new, comprehensive approach to improving air service in small communities.

     Rockefeller commented, "There are tremendous problems facing aviation in our state and nation, and I led the fight in the Senate to get a strong and effective Federal Aviation Administration bill done this year. The new bill is a tremendous victory for airports and travelers across West Virginia."

     "After years of getting shortchanged, our airports will get a huge boost in funding to make badly needed improvements," Rockefeller continued. "But just as important as the increase in funding is the comprehensive approach this bill takes to improving air service in small communities. Every part of this bill recognizes the unique needs of these areas, and significant provisions are included to reduce barriers to competition, preserve existing service and create incentives for airlines to serve small communities."

     The $40 billion, three year bill is the largest increase ever in aviation funding, and has strong bipartisan support. The bill will pass the Senate this afternoon and is expected to pass the House this week, and be signed into law by the President soon thereafter.

• At a minimum, guaranteed funding for West Virginia airports will double, with primary airports (Lewisburg, Clarksburg, Huntington, Parkersburg, Charleston, Morgantown) receiving at least $1 million a year — a $500,000 increase — for the next three years, and Charleston receiving at least $2 million. 

•  Smaller airports will receive up to $150,000 in entirely new, guaranteed funding. Airports in Sutton, Martinsburg, Elkins, Petersburg, Logan, Moundsville, Point Pleasant, Bluefield, Williamson, Beckley, Summersville and Wheeling will receive the full amount, while the airport in Ravenswood will receive $135,000 and the airport in Pineville will receive $84,000. 

• In addition, funding for the state's aviation program will increase from $2.4 to $3.96 million in fiscal year 2001, and every state airport will be eligible to apply for part of a $1 billion annual increase in federal grants for major safety and capacity projects.

     "I've been fighting for more than a year to get this bill done because funding for airport improvements has run out, congestion and delays worsen on an almost daily basis, and important safety changes have not been made," Rockefeller said. "West Virginia has faced especially difficult aviation circumstances in recent years and help is needed to expand our access to reliable and affordable air service. This legislation is a tremendous step forward for aviation in West Virginia that will create more opportunities for travelers and businesses in our state."

     Other important provisions that are part of the bill's comprehensive approach to improving air service in West Virginia and other rural areas include:

• A three-year, $75 million grant program that will allow West Virginia airports to apply for grants of up to $500,000 for innovative air service promotion, marketing and retention programs. The grants will go to as many as 40 communities nationwide.

• A pilot program that will allow small communities to keep an air traffic control tower by contributing to the cost of operating the tower. This provision will ensure continued operation of the Greenbrier Valley Airport tower well into the future.

• A waiver of certain FAA property restrictions at the Raleigh County Airport, paving the way for the development of an industrial park without placing a significant financial burden on the county or the airport authority. 

• Removal of a legal barrier that has prevented the FAA from funding a terminal development project at Mercer County Airport. This will allow the community to implement their plan to revitalize the airport and develop its potential as a general aviation center.

• An increase in funding from $50 to $65 million for the Essential Air Service Program — ensuring that federally subsidized air service to Beckley and Bluefield can continue even as market conditions change.

• An increase in the cap on the amount local airports can charge for passenger facility charges (PFC). The $1.50 increase, which still limits the maximum PFC to just $4.50 per passenger, will enable West Virginia airports to increase their revenues for critical infrastructure projects. All airports in the state are eligible to charge a PFC.

• A regional jet loan guarantee for service to small communities. The provision will create incentives for start-up airlines to bring regional jet service to small communities. Service to any of West Virginia's airports will qualify for the loan guarantee.

     "Without the changes contained in this bill, there is little question that aviation in our country will face a crisis in the near future. Air traffic is expected to grow by 40 percent by 2009 and without a major investment in the system, in 10 years we'll be facing the prospect of a major airline accident somewhere in the world every 7 to 10 days. This is unacceptable, and with this bill we've taken a bold step toward correcting the aviation problems facing our state and nation."