Three Democratic representatives introduced legislation Monday that would provide $1.8 billion in low-interest federal loans and loan guarantees for airport projects.
Rep. John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, was joined by Reps. Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Conor Lamb (D-PA) in introducing the legislation.
The TIFIA for Airports Act would unlock more than $1.88 billion in federal financing, the Congressman said.
“The country that invented air travel should not have to look to other countries’ airports with envy. Congress must invest in modernizing our airports to better meet the traveling public’s needs and address public health concerns like coronavirus,” said Congressman Garamendi (D-CA). “My legislation would unlock more than $1.88 billion in federal financing for airport modernization projects across California and the nation, including climate resilience projects. Now more than ever, Americans deserve airports that are as efficient, safe, and clean as possible.”
The bill would require that all TIFIA-funded airport projects adhere to existing “Buy American” requirements under the FAA’s Airport Improvement Program. Federal financing would not be made available to privately owned airports or projects for general aviation.
The bill is endorsed by the Airports Council International-North America, American Association of Airport Executives, and Airlines for America (A4A).
“We need to build various ground access projects at Sacramento International (SMF) and Mather (MHR) Airports to improve public accessibility and facilitate movement of cargo, which has grown rapidly, especially since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. We believe that TIFIA loans would be the best funding source to enable passengers and cargo to get to and from our airports, given our funding challenges, and we strongly support this bill,” said Director Cynthia A. Nichol, Sacramento County Department of Airports.
Companion legislation was introduced in the Senate by Sens. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and David Perdue (R-GA) last year.