Wednesday, May 8, 2002
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Wednesday, May 8, 2002 |
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Far from 'pork,' Falcon Field grant came from taxes on aviation consumers Re Mr. William Fielder's May 1 letter concerning a recent grant received by Peachtree City Falcon Field Airport: Mr. Fielder was concerned that this grant was an inappropriate use of U.S. taxpayer funds. The grant the airport received is an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funded through the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. This fund was established to finance infrastructure and safety improvements at airports and to offset compliance costs with federal airport regulations. The trust fund receives revenues from aviation user taxes on airline fares, airfreight, and aviation fuel. This is not an income tax, but a consumer tax. Aviation users fund the trust fund and the money can only be spent on improving the country's airports and airways. Falcon Field has routinely received AIP grants along with many of the 103 public airports in Georgia. In order to receive a grant, airports must demonstrate a need for the project, compliance with environmental regulations, and be ready to implement the project in a timely manner. There are always more requests for AIP funds than the funds available. The Federal Aviation Administration determines the highest priority projects. The most recent grant received by the airport is our 13th AIP grant. All these federal grants are administered and closely monitored by the FAA. The most recent grant is for acquiring land adjacent to the airport to accommodate the future aviation needs of the community. Congressman Mac Collins is an enthusiastic supporter of aviation in Georgia and nationwide. I'm sure he was pleased to announce the recent AIP grant for Falcon Field as he appreciates what a quality airport can do for a community and the national air transportation system. I'm dismayed that he was portrayed as participating in "pork barrel politics" as a result of our grant. In Mr. Fielder's letter, he encouraged your readers to contact Rep. Collins (U. S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515; 202-225-3121). I also encourage you to contact Rep. Collins to let him know how much we all appreciate the fine job he is doing in representing our community. I appreciate Mr. Fielder's concern for inappropriate uses of our tax dollars. In [this] case, the allocation of funds is appropriate and very important to the future of the airport and community. If anyone has any questions or comments about our grant or the airport, please call the airport manager, Mr. Jim Savage, at 770-487-2225. Cathy Nelmes, Chairman Peachtree City Airport Authority
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