The U.S. Senate marked up the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill to increase funding for the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) and Airport Improvement Program (AIP) sections of the bill, reports the National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA).
According to NSSGA, the bill increases the PFC from $4.50 to $8.50 per person and increases AIP funding to $3.6 billion. This markup comes before the Federal Aviation Administration authorization expires in September.
“Investment in all modes of transportation is essential for the aggregates industry and our communities,” says Laura O’Neill-Kaumo, senior vice president of government and regulatory affairs for NSSGA. “According to the Airports Council International of North America, airports of all sizes need to invest $100 billion over the next five years to modernize and maintain runways, taxiways and facilities. We applaud the committee for finding ways for airports and the aggregates industry to help improve our country’s infrastructure.”
The bill still needs to pass the Senate, and no comparable increase is included in the U.S. House of Representatives bill, so a conference will be required for the increases to be finalized, NSSGA adds.
