James Oberstar: “I rise in support of S. 1786, which authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency airport improvement…”

“I rise in support of S. 1786, which authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to make emergency airport improvement project grants-in-aid under title 49, for repairs and costs related to damage from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Madam Speaker, S. 1786 permits the Secretary of Transportation to make project grants from the Federal Aviation Administration's, FAA, Airport Improvement Program, AIP, fiscal year 2006 funds for capital costs to repair or replace public use facilities damaged as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which were incurred by a public use airport in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas that is listed in the FAA's National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems. The bill also permits AlP grant funding to cover emergency operating costs incurred by these airports as a result of the Hurricanes. According to the FAA, airports located in Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas sustained structural damage costing over $162 million. Importantly, S. 1786 provides FAA with the flexibility to fund repairs to airport structures, such as terminals and hangars, which would otherwise not be eligible for grants under the AlP program. The bill also requires the Federal Government to cover 100 percent of the allowable project costs, thereby waiving State and local government match requirements.…”