Contact: Dan Hubbard, 202-783-9360, dhubbard@nbaa.org
Washington, DC, Nov. 6, 2021 – The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) today welcomed final passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that contains important measures championed by NBAA, including support of the aviation community’s efforts to attract and retain a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Under the legislation passed by the Senate in August, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act injects $550 billion in new spending for America’s infrastructure, including investments to modernize the country’s transportation systems. Now that both chambers have passed the bill, it is expected to be signed shortly by President Biden.
“The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a victory for America’s transportation sector and a recognition of NBAA’s successful advocacy efforts. The bill advances many of our priorities, including the incorporation of the NBAA-supported Promoting Services in Transportation Act,” said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen.
“By authorizing the Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish a program for public service announcements, we will expand awareness of transportation career opportunities while working to increase the diversity of the transportation workforce. Business aviation’s success depends on our next generation of professionals, and we must look to all communities for future leaders,” Bolen added.
The inclusion of the Promoting Services in Transportation Act into the infrastructure bill resulted from concerted efforts by lawmakers and industry. “We thank House Aviation Subcommittee Chair Rick Larsen (D-2-WA), Rep. Don Young (R-AK), Rep. Angie Craig (D-2-MN) and Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) for their commitment to the Promoting Services in Transportation Act,” said Bolen.
Bolen also recognized NBAA members for championing the workforce program at the grassroots level. “Our members answered the call to support this effort by contacting members of Congress and underscoring the importance of growing and diversifying the transportation workforce,” he said.
The public service campaigns are authorized for $5 million each fiscal year from 2022 to 2026 and will promote a broad array of transportation careers, including pilots, mechanics, and engineers. NBAA will work closely with congressional leaders to advocate for full funding during the appropriations process.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes significant funding for the Airport Improvement Program, including $500 million for general aviation airports, and provides $5 billion to the FAA over the next five years for towers and other ATC facilities — including dedicated funds for the federal contract tower program.
The legislation also spurs next-generation transit programs, including the development of advanced air mobility (AAM), as supported by NBAA. The Strengthening Mobility and Revolutionizing Transportation (SMART) Grant Program authorizes $100 million annual investments for cities to conduct demonstration projects for “smart city technologies” to improve transportation efficiency and safety.
NBAA recognizes the importance of AAM in providing sustainable transportation to a diverse set of communities and will continue to work with industry leaders through its recently formed Advanced Air Mobility Roundtable to heighten understanding of AAM as an integral part of forward-looking infrastructure policy.
NBAA also sees opportunities for AAM in the National Infrastructure Investments plan, which seeks to revolutionize transportation and strengthen the country’s mobility. This program was expanded in the bill, and NBAA’s efforts as part of the appropriations process will help build awareness of AAM for potential grants.
“AAM will revolutionize air transportation in the coming years. We must act now to understand the legislative, regulatory, and infrastructure needs of AAM to realize the potential of this transformative industry,” said Bolen.
View the full text of the bill.
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Founded in 1947 and based in Washington, DC, the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is the leading organization for companies that rely on general aviation aircraft to help make their businesses more efficient, productive and successful. The association represents more than 10,000 company and professional members and provides more than 100 products and services to the business aviation community, including the NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE), the world’s largest civil aviation trade show. Learn more about NBAA at nbaa.org.
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