The inability of Congress to extend the operating authority of the Federal Aviation Administration has led to a partial shutdown of the agency.
The lapse of reauthorization means the Airport Improvement Program has stopped processing new airport grants. The program, which provides construction project grants to airports, will unable to provide roughly $2.5 billion for airport projects in all 50 states. This includes construction of two new air traffic control towers at the Battle Creek and Traverse City airports.
The hang-ups are two-fold. First is language in the House passed extension that would curb subsidies for the Essential Air Service program which is used to keep airilines flying into smaller communities. Such a cut would have serious implications for smaller airports in Michigan, given proposed cuts by Delta Airlines. The second is language, also in the House version, that would repeal a 2010 National Mediation Board rule that made it easier for airline and railway employees to unionize.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has stated that while the safety of the flying public will not be compromised, the lack of a reauthorization means that thousands of public and private sector jobs will be affected.
One can only wonder if this and debt ceiling debate are precusors (or bad omens) to the upcoming debate on the broader transportation reauthorization. That extension expires on September 30, 2011.
Arnold Weinfeld is Director of Strategic Initiatives and Federal Affairs for the Michigan Municipal League. He can be reached at 517-908-0304 or by e-mail.
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