"America Builds: Airport Infrastructure, Safety, and Regulatory Environment"

House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation

2025-04-08

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Summary

The Subcommittee on Aviation convened to address the pressing issues facing the nation's airports, including critical infrastructure needs, persistent funding challenges, and the effective implementation of recent legislative reforms [ 00:22:52 ] . Witnesses provided insights into the significant economic contributions of airports and underscored ongoing safety concerns impacting both travelers and the aviation workforce [ 00:22:57 ] .

Themes

Airport Infrastructure Funding and Investment

A primary concern was the substantial funding gap for airport infrastructure, with estimated needs of nearly $174 billion over the next five years [ 00:23:11 ] . While the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 increased Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding to $4 billion annually, this still falls short of the estimated annual requirement of $34 billion [ 00:23:46 ] . The Passenger Facility Charge (PFC), a local user fee, was identified as a critical but underutilized funding mechanism, as its $4.50 cap has remained stagnant since 2000, diminishing its purchasing power by over 50% [ 00:39:35 ]

. Speakers urged Congress to uncap the PFC to empower local communities to fund essential projects like runway repairs and terminal expansions, which are often delayed due to insufficient funds [ 00:39:47 ] . Delays in discretionary grant funding also lead to multi-year project phasing, increasing overall costs and potentially compromising safety . The importance of preserving the tax-exempt status of general airport revenue bonds was also highlighted to avoid diverting funds from projects to increased debt service .

Regulatory and Environmental Streamlining

Regulatory burdens and inconsistent guidance from the FAA were cited as major impediments to airport development [ 00:38:04 ]

. A witness recounted a primary runway replacement project taking nearly 13 years due to prolonged environmental review processes [ 00:38:11-00:38:28 ] . Specifically, delays stemmed from the FAA's indecision between an Environmental Assessment (EA) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), a process that alone took four years . While the FAA Reauthorization Act established timelines for EIS completion, speakers noted a lack of clear deadlines for preliminary environmental phases, contributing to project backlogs and increased costs . Congress was encouraged to provide more specific legislative language to prevent broad administrative interpretations that often lead to additional requirements and delays not aligned with congressional intent .

Worker Safety and Protections

Significant concerns were raised about the safety of airport workers, with five ramp worker fatalities reported in the past two and a half years . There has also been a rise in verbal and physical assaults against gate and ticket agents . Despite provisions in the FAA reauthorization bill mandating ramp worker safety reviews and protections for frontline employees, implementation has been severely delayed . The Transport Workers Union (TWU) representative emphasized that the FAA has not conducted a comprehensive ramp worker safety study since 2002, leaving critical issues unaddressed . The lack of training for handling mobility devices and the absence of clear policies for dealing with operational changes further compromise safety [ 01:00:33 ]

. There is an urgent call for the FAA to swiftly implement these mandated safety provisions and ensure a safe working environment to attract and retain skilled labor .

Air Traffic Control (ATC) Modernization and Safety

The modernization of the Air Traffic Control (ATC) system was deemed crucial for aviation safety, operational efficiency, and system resiliency [ 00:39:56 ]

. Current challenges include aging ATC systems, with over a third described as unsustainable, and a need for expanded deployment of surface surveillance technology to prevent near-miss incidents [ 00:32:06 ] . Speakers expressed frustration over the slow pace of technological upgrades and suggested exploring alternative models for ATC operations, such as a not-for-profit corporate entity, to overcome procurement and funding challenges . Airports expressed readiness to partner with the FAA to accelerate this transformation, with some suggesting that a portion of uncapped PFC funds could potentially be used for on-site ATC facility upgrades .

Economic Contribution of Airports

Airports were consistently highlighted as powerful economic engines, driving local economies, creating jobs, and attracting significant financial investment [ 00:22:57 ] . Commercial service airports reportedly support 12.8 million jobs, provide $619 billion in annual payroll, and generate $1.8 trillion in annual output [ 00:31:49 ]

. For example, Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) contributes over $24 billion annually to its regional economy . Witnesses cautioned that inadequate infrastructure investment could lead to significant negative economic consequences, potentially forcing larger airports to cap capacity, thereby disadvantaging smaller communities and hindering overall growth .

Tone of the Meeting

The tone of the meeting was serious and underscored by concern regarding the state of aviation infrastructure and safety, yet remained constructive and focused on bipartisan solutions [ 00:22:39 ] . There was a palpable sense of urgency from speakers regarding the timely and effective implementation of recently passed legislation, particularly concerning funding mechanisms and regulatory streamlining . A collaborative spirit was evident, with members of Congress and witnesses expressing a shared commitment to strengthening the aviation system for national economic and safety benefits .