US bills to boost airport construction spend

The US government is introducing legislation that is set to significantly increase spending on airport construction in the country.

Following the US$3.35 billion budget agreed for airport construction earlier this year, two new bills have been advanced by both the US House and the Senate.

Under a proposal from the Senate, the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program’s budget would be increased by an annual average of 9% for four years, while a proposal from the Senate would see it boosted by an average 8% per annum, over six years.

In response to the proposals, the Associated General Contractors of America said the measures represented a good start.

Neither proposal calls for any increase to the passenger facility charge, which is currently capped at US$4.50, although the Airports Council International – North America has called for the cap to be scrapped.

In March this year, a report from the Airports Council stated a sum of around US$100 billion was required over the next five years, to cover the necessary improvements across all US airports.