Also Wanted: GPS Over Old ATC Equipment, And 'Other System Upgrades'

ANN REALTIME REPORTING 02.05.07 1400 EST: The Bush Administration sent its budget request to the congress Monday and -- as feared by many in the general aviation community -- it includes language requesting a revamp of FAA funding to include user fees.

Bush's budget request includes $67 billion for 2008 to finance key transportation construction, congestion relief and safety programs, and to provide the framework for reforming the aviation system, according to US Secretary of Transportation Mary E. Peters.

"Our goal is to deliver a transportation system that frees all of us to make daily decisions confident we can reach our destinations safely, without worrying about how we will get there, or if we can make it on time," Secretary Peters said.

The Secretary noted, without providing specific details, that the budget request "provides a framework for reforming the aviation system by tying what users pay to the costs of providing air traffic control and other services."

She added that the request also includes $175 million for a 21st Century satellite navigation system to replace older air traffic control equipment and $900 million in additional air traffic control system upgrades.

"Our plan puts incentives in place that will make the system more efficient as well as more responsive to the needs of the aviation community," Secretary Peters said. "This is critical if we are to deploy the state-of-the-art technology that can safely handle the dramatic increases in the number and type of aircraft using our skies."

The FY 2008 budget request proposes overall transportation safety funding of $20.3 billion. Secretary Peters says the request will fund aviation and surface transportation safety programs and initiatives.

So far, there is no word from the many groups representing general aviation regarding Secretary Peters' announcement Monday.

Keep checking back as ANN will post the news on this developing story when it becomes available.

FMI: www.dot.gov