Bob Dole: “I am hopeful we have taken a major step toward resolving several major issues that have been pending during the AIP…”

“I am hopeful we have taken a major step toward resolving several major issues that have been pending during the AIP debate. I am particularly encouraged that two important items will be resolved in the final extension of the program later this summer. First, with regard to the dispute over diversion of airport fees, I know Senator Ford and Senator Danforth have expended an enormous effort to find resolution of this issue. In fact, I have heard from a great many airlines and airports--particularly the Wichita and Salina Airports in my State of Kansas, and Kansas City International Airport which serves the Greater Kansas City Area--regarding their concerns this problem be worked out appropriately. I have also spoken to Mayor Dick Riordan of Los Angeles on at least two occasions. I know he has been seeking to find a constructive solution to this dispute and has contributed a lot of time and effort to this process. Let me say as we move into this 60-day period where extended negotiations between the airports and the airlines will be taking place, I encourage all the parties to bargain in good faith and move expeditiously toward resolution of this problem because I agree with Senators Ford and Danforth that we need to release the rest of these AIP funds to the States as soon as possible.”