Press Releases

A bill to allow Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds to be used to incentivize the early completion of critical runway and airport projects, introduced by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Garret Graves (R-LA), has been approved by the Senate and will now be sent to the President to be signed into law.

The Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2021 (H.R. 468) makes incentive payments for the early completion of projects an eligible cost under the AIP.  The AIP provides grants to public agencies and other entities for the planning, development, and execution of infrastructure projects at public-use airports, such as runways and taxiways.

“This proven, smart reform is already in use for road and bridge construction, and it’s just common sense to make this same incentivization tool available for the construction of aviation infrastructure projects,” said T&I Committee Ranking Member Sam Graves.  “Delivering airport projects ahead of schedule will save money and essentially provide a similar impact as increasing investment without requiring any additional federal resources.”

“This bill will help change the way we facilitate airport construction.  Every day an airport project isn’t completed, project costs go up and opportunities for economic activity via tourism and business development are missed.  Whether traveling for leisure or work, this bill will ensure on-time and under-cost project delivery and will complement the millions in funding we’ve secured for Louisiana’s airports over the past few years,” said Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member Garret Graves.