Sinema’s bill allows airports to incentivize completion of construction projects ahead of schedule, saving Arizona taxpayers money and increasing efficiency
WASHINGTON – Arizona senior Senator Kyrsten Sinema partnered with Republican Senators Todd Young (Ind.) and Ted Cruz (Texas) to reintroduce the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act—bipartisan legislation allowing airports to use the Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds to incentivize contractors to finish airport construction projects ahead of schedule.
“Supporting completion of airport construction improves Arizona’s aviation infrastructure, creates jobs, and saves Arizona taxpayers money,” said Sinema, Chair of the Senate Aviation Safety Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee.
“Each of our airports – Phoenix Sky Harbor, Phoenix Deer Valley and Phoenix Goodyear – must compete for resources against other large scale construction projects in the region,” said Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego. “The ability to offer incentives to complete projects earlier than scheduled helps Phoenix stay competitive, and to deliver the level of service our residents and travelers have come to expect.”
Currently airports cannot use Airport Improvement Program funds to incentivize early completion of airport projects, even if the early completion would result in significant capacity or efficiency gains for the airport. Sinema’s Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act allows airports to use up to $1 million in AIP money to incentivize contractors to complete projects early, resulting in cost savings and efficiency gains.
Sinema chaired her first Aviation Subcommittee hearing on the challenges facing the aviation industry due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and called for continued efforts to save aviation jobs and continue prioritizing health protections as we continue our economic recovery.
Earlier this year, Sinema cosponsored the bipartisan CONTRACT Act—bipartisan legislation boosting air traffic control staffing for Arizona airports to ensure Arizona’s airspace remains safe and secure.