Bill Would Fund Maintenance, New Aircraft For FAA Center

The William J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor (NJ)will get millions in federal funding, including money for a new "flying laboratory."

Rep. Frank A. LoBiondo (R-NJ) whose district includes the Hughes center, had $2 million restored to a House transportation spending bill last week. The idea: help underwrite the cost of running and maintaining the facility.

"I am very pleased that this money was restored to the tech center because we should be investing in the fine researchers, engineers and specialists who keep the facility a world leader in aviation safety," LoBiondo said in a statement.

The Hughes center is the Federal Aviation Administration's national research and development site.

The bill also contains $15 million for a new research aircraft, one that the Center says is sorely needed. It would replace a 33-year-old Boeing 727. The money will be combined with another $15 million in federal funds that LoBiondo secured last year to buy the aircraft.

Geist said the new aircraft will be a Boeing 7-series jet. It will be used by the FAA to test navigation aids, guidance systems and other aviation safety technology.

FMI: www.tc.faa.gov