NATA President James K. Coyne has generally commended President Bush's Fiscal Year 2004 budget for meeting the security and infrastructure demands of our nation's air transportation system. The budget abides by the funding guarantees established within AIR-21 for airport development and infrastructure. AIR-21 is set to be re-authorized by Congress this year.

In addition to fully funding the Airport Improvement Program as established within AIR-21, FAA operations received a modest increase in funding for FY '04. However, Coyne did stress his concern over the decline of funding allocated to the Facilities and Equipment and Research, Engineering and Development accounts within the President's budget. 

"The future of aviation rests with this country's endeavors and advancements in modern technology," Coyne explained. "Funding reductions in these two accounts at this critical stage within the aviation industry is not the correct course to sail."

The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which will be heading to the new Department of Homeland Security under the Border and Transportation Security branch, has been allocated $4.8 billion in the President's FY '04 budget. 

"We hope that this funding allocation will allow the TSA to dedicate the personnel and resources necessary to successfully implement the Private Charter and Twelve-Five security programs affecting America's on-demand air taxi operators," Coyne explained. 

In a new era of escalated terrorist activity necessitating re-allocation of federal funding dedicated to addressing this threat, Coyne stated that the President and his Administration are doing an outstanding job.

"The President's 2004 budget reflects the appropriate national priorities required in this new age of terrorism, including dedicated funding to America's aviation security and infrastructure needs," Coyne concluded. "We applaud the President for making difficult but necessary decisions during this time of heightened concerns and look forward to continuing our work with his Administration on issues affecting America's aviation businesses."

FMI: www.nata-online.org