Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) has unveiled a $24 billion economic stimulus package that includes $200 million in AIP funding.
The package, which likely will be considered when Congress returns from its summer break in September, is controversial, with Republicans arguing that Congress should wait to evaluate the impact of the first stimulus package passed earlier this year before passing a second stimulus measure.
Earlier this year, AAAE President Charles Barclay called on Congress to add $285 million in additional AIP funding to bring the overall amount appropriated for FY 2008 to $3.8 billion.
Barclay argued that additional airport infrastructure funding would expedite the construction of critical projects at airports and stimulate the economy through the creation of high-paying construction jobs.
AAAE legislative members may view the full Airport Alert online at http://www.aaae.org/government/125_AAAE_Airport_Legislative_Alliance/200_Airport_Alerts/legdescription.html?Alert_ID=1008.
