U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-TX) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) introduced new legislation to incentivize airports to be more efficient in completing construction projects.
The bill, the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act, would save taxpayer dollars while ensuring projects are completed quickly and safely, the senators said.
Essentially, the law would allow airports to use Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program funds to incentive early completion of projects by expanding the eligible uses of AIP funds. Normally used for the planning, development, and execution of infrastructure projects, the Expedited Delivery act would let airports use up to $1 million of the funding to incentivize early completion.
“Our local airport authorities are too often hamstrung by bureaucratic red tape that can prolong important infrastructure projects, costing both taxpayers and travelers,” Cruz said. “This legislation will provide local airports in Texas and across the country the flexibility to more efficiently use taxpayer dollars to best meets their local needs and to incentivize contractors to come in on schedule and under budget, all without imposing extra fees on travelers.”
The bill would ensure that completed the project to get the incentive offer doesn’t negatively impact the operation of the airport and would account for unforeseeable delays beyond the control of the contractor.
“Arizona’s airports are economic drivers for the communities they serve. Incentivizing quick completion of airport construction ensures Arizona’s aviation system can continue to grow, create jobs, and fuel our state’s economy,” Sinema, ranking member on the Aviation and Space Subcommittee, said.
A companion bill, HB 5912, has been introduced to the House by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO), ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.