Arlen Specter: “I met recently with County Commissioners Larry Dunn and Bob Cranmer, who are very interested in the economic development…”

“I met recently with County Commissioners Larry Dunn and Bob Cranmer, who are very interested in the economic development that could be generated from privatizing Allegheny County Airport, a general aviation airport which has not had commercial passenger service since 1956. During my visit to the airport on September 9, 1996, I again heard of the strong local interest in privatization, which the county has estimated could generate as much as $20 million in business growth in the Monongahela River Valley, an area hurt in recent years by severe unemployment. I am advised that Federal law and regulations are the principal obstacles to privatization of airports. The House FAA reauthorization bill contains a provision allowing for the sale or long-term lease, with the approval of the FAA, of up to six airports, of which one must be a general aviation airport or similar airport not in commercial service, such as Allegheny County Airport. The Senate bill we are considering today does not contain language authorizing such a pilot program, but does provide for a report to the Secretary by an independent task force that will consider innovative financing mechanisms. Upon this state of the record, and as a member of the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee, I believe that for Allegheny County Airport to realize its fullest potential, private investment is crucial.”