NextGen in Obama's New Infrastructure Plans

By: Paul Lowe

ATC, Regulations, Airports

President Obama announced in Milwaukee yesterday that airports and the Next Generation Air Traffic System will be part of a more than $50 billion investment in the U.S.‘s transportation infrastructure in the next year, the first installment of a six-year transportation strategy that includes creating an “infrastructure bank. White House officials said the cost will be offset by raising taxes on oil and gas companies.

While much of the President’s proposal focuses on surface transportation – including high-speed rail – he promised “robust” investment in ATC modernization. Obama said the plan will “restore 150 miles of runways” and “advance a next-generation air traffic control system to reduce travel time and delays for American travelers.

A White House fact sheet apparently made no mention of general aviation. AOPA immediately urged both Congress and the Administration to “remember that general aviation is an integral part of the national transportation system, and that the key to the success of NextGen is a commitment by the government to invest in new technologies for all users.”

http://www.ainonline.com/news/single-news-page/article/nextgen-in-obamas-new-infrastructure-plans-25988/?no_cache=1

Source: AVIATION INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Date: 2010-09-07