Proposal Would Improve Infrastructure, Draw Key Airlines to Smaller Fields

Virginia legislators are set to review a proposal that would assist in the development and growth of its regional airports. The bill would redirect funds to constructing new infrastructure at smaller fields, drawing in major players in air transportation.

State lawmakers and Governor Glenn Youngkin recently finalized their biennium budget, which approved $1 million to construct an Advanced Air Aviation test site through the Commonwealth’s Development Opportunity Fund. It also put $350,000 into researching “emerging technologies,” including in Advanced Air Mobility (AAM).

These investments opened the door for State Delegate Wren Williams to push forward a new bill. This aims to take tax revenue from vehicle rentals and direct it towards producing aviation regulations and facilities. For now, these funds go into the Commonwealth Transportation Fund and trickle down to the Aviation Special Fund.

Though these revenues aren’t considerable by any means, they could greatly assist in funding new aviation-related projects. This is especially significant for Virginia’s smaller fields, which are often overlooked by major hubs like Dulles and Richmond. They lack proper runways, hangars, and control towers.

“There’s always the need to help improve the infrastructure of airports and aviation in Virginia,” explained Williams, “especially with our current administration and Boeing and others that have come into Virginia as an aviation hub.”

The bill also applies to the future of the industry, allowing infrastructure construction dedicated to unmanned aerial systems. It would also further aid AAM developments.

AAM has seen a recent spike in applicability, viewed as a new and more sustainable method to conduct air transportation and delivery. Still, the technology is brand-new and the state isn’t quite sure how to regulate or support it.

“In general, these projects include master plan and airport layout plan studies; environmental studies; land acquisition; airside facility design and construction; and terminal building design and construction,” noted John Campbell Jr., Deputy Director of Virginia’s Department of Aviation.

FMI: www.wrenwilliamsva.com