Jan. 27, 2003

For more information contact:
Tim McClung
515-239-1689
tim.mcclung@dot.state.ia.us

Airport programs approved through 2007

AMES, Iowa – A reauthorized federal funding program approved by Congress and signed by President Bush last month is good news for Iowa’s eight commercial service airports and 69 of the state’s general aviation airports, according to Michelle McEnany, Director of the Iowa DOT’s Office of Aviation.

The funding package, called “Vision 100,” reauthorizes federal aviation programs through 2007, and sets authorized spending levels for the Airport Improvement, Essential Air Service, and Small Community Development Grant programs.

The Airport Improvement Program, fully funded from aviation-generated user fees, provides funding for construction, rehabilitation and safety projects to Iowa airports that are part of the National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems, and are determined to be a significant part of the national air transportation system. The local community match, historically 10 percent, will be reduced to 5 percent under the reauthorized program. Communities will also have greater flexibility in the use of federal funds for airport projects.

The Essential Air Service program provides airline subsidies to provide continuing air service to smaller communities. Burlington, Fort Dodge and Mason City all participate in the Essential Air Service program.

Small Community Development Grants provide funding to help smaller commercial service airports increase enplanement levels through the use of marketing programs. All commercial airports in Iowa are eligible to apply annually for these grants. Mason City received a Small Community Development Grant for $600,000 in 2002. Dubuque received a grant for $610,000 in 2003.

According to McEnany, “The program could exceed $106 million in airport infrastructure funding to the state through 2007. This is a positive note that the federal government continues to see Iowa playing a significant role in the nation’s air transportation system. We are seeing strong indications of recovery in Iowa’s air transportation system since the post 9/11 downturn. At the same time, communities are dealing with strained budgets. Vision 100 will go a long way in providing communities increased flexibility and decreased capital outlays to continue providing quality air access to their areas.”

A study conducted by Iowa State University in 2000 found that Iowa’s air transportation system provides an annual economic impact of $834 million and nearly 10,000 jobs in the state of Iowa.

For more information on aviation programs in Iowa, log on to iawings.com.

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