New Year, Same Budget Proposal

The Administration's Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 budget drew instant ire from industry associations, particularly for its proposed reduction of more than $765 million for the Airport Improvement Program.

"Once again, the Bush Administration has taken a short-sighted approach to airport infrastructure

funding in its proposed budget/'American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) President Chip Barclay says. "The president's request for the critical Airport Improvement Program would be laughable if the problems facing air travelers weren't so serious. As the administration knows full-well, this request is destined to be ignored by a Congress that strongly supports AIP funding for its proven record in improving safety and alleviating air congestion and delays."

Airports Council International - North America (ACI-NA) also expresses its "extreme" disappointment. "Without increased funding, airports cannot fulfill their obligation to the flying public: to operate safe, secure and efficient facilities," says ACI-NA President Greg Principato. "With delays and congestion at an all-time high, and a record one billion passengers expected in the skies by 2015, airports need to act now to improve capacity and their ability to handle ever-increasing numbers of air travelers. The Administration's budget proposal will not allow for the kind of expansion that is vital to our aviation system."

The Administration proposes almost $1 billion in cuts for FY2009 in the FAA's Airport Improvement Program (AIP). The FY09 proposed level of $2.75 billion is $765 million less than in 2008, and more than $1.1 billion below the $3.9 billion level proposed for the FAA reauthorization bill currently pending in Congress.

The Administration's FY 09 budget also would eliminate funding for the Small Community Air Service Development Program, as well as significantly reduce the Essential Air Service Program (EAS). "These programs are critical for small communities throughout this country," says Principato.