Tony Thurmond: “I am pleased that included in the amendment offered by the managers is a provision regarding discretionary Airport…”

“I am pleased that included in the amendment offered by the managers is a provision regarding discretionary Airport Improvement Program [AIP] grants to reliever airports. This language would clarify one of the factors that the Federal Aviation Administration [FAA] considers in determining grants from the discretionary fund. The AIP provides grants to airports which help insure the safety of air travel in this Country. Seventy-five percent of the money distributed annually from the AIP is allocated to primary and reliever airports from the discretionary grant fund. In determining whether to make a grant to improve an airport, the Secretary of Transportation considers three criteria: First, the capacity of the national air transportation system; second, the costs and benefits of a project; and third, the financial commitment to be made from sources other than the Federal Government. Mr. President, language included in the amendment offered by the managers clarifies the second criteria, the costs-benefit analysis.”