National Association of Regional Councils

• About NARC
  • 1.1: About Us
  • 1.2: Vision and Mission
  • 1.3: Board of Directors
  • 1.4: Executive Directors
  • 1.5: Regional Futures Institute
  • 1.6: NARC Services
  • 1.7: NARC History
  • 1.8: NARC Staff
  • 1.9: FAQ
  • 1.10: Join NARC
  • 1.11: Become a Sponsor
  • 1.12: Job Opportunities
• Activities
  • 3.1: Development
  • 3.2: Environment
  • 3.3: Homeland Security
  • 3.5: Transportation
• Regional Councils/MPOs
  • 4.1: What is a Regional Council?
  • 4.2: What is a Metropolitan Planning Organization?
  • 4.3: Listing of COGs and MPOs
• Government Affairs
  • 5.1: Legislative Information
  • 5.2: Policy Statements and Testimony
  • 5.3: Legislative Tracking and Links
  • 5.5: Legislative Updates
• Events
  • 9.1: Conferences
  • 9.2: Telecasts
  • 9.3: Workshops
  • 9.4: Development Symposia
• Resource Center
  • 10.1: Publications
  • 10.2: Press
  • 10.3: What's News
  • 10.4: Visiting Washington?
  • 10.6: H-1B Visa Information Page
  • 10.7: Regional Council Graduate Course
• Job Postings
  • 11.1: Job Postings
• 19: Members Only
  • 19.1: Member Update
  • 19.2: Vendor Specials
  • 19.3: Calendar of Events
  • 19.4: Technology
  • 19.5: Maps
  • 19.6: Mentor Exchange
  • 19.7: Members In the News

Aviation

To obtain this document in PDF form, please click here.

Issue: Aviation

Background: Maintaining a well balanced and integrated aviation transportation system is one component of national competitiveness, easing congestion in our urban areas, and connecting our rural ones. Key to this is a well funded system of programs – Essential Air Service, Airport Improvement Program, Security Grants-– to serve our needs and fund our airports.

NARC will continue to work on aviation as a key component of our multi-modal transportation strategy and ensure the following programs are well funded and meet our regional needs: 

• The Airport Improvement Program (AIP) provides around $3.6 billion to fund improvements to commercial airport facilities. These grants are a big part of what makes our modern air carrier system work.  AIP should be better funded–or at least maintained–to ensure that our citizens will continue to enjoy safe, inexpensive, and speedy mobility.
• The Essential Air Service (EAS) program provides over $110 million annually to subsidize scheduled commercial service to airports in rural and small communities that would otherwise not receive service. This program provides these communities with a crucial link to the nation and the world, allowing them to attract new residents and grow their economies.
• Aviation Security Grants is an important part of our national security system. NARC encourages the development of new technologies and processes that enhance aviation security. However, NARC cautions against reducing spending in other important areas to fund aviation security.

Policy Recommendations:

• NARC supports a strong regional airline system to bring mobility to small and medium-sized communities, and provide system redundancy.
•  Support airport construction and expansion projects to relieve congestion in the skies, improve safety, and lower system cost.

Legislative Actions:

• Monitor and support the reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (due in 2006).