Infrastructure Investment Benefits Economy

Expanding the Federal Aviation Administratin’s Airport Improvement Program to include not only current projects but investment and deployment of NextGen technology should be part of the next economic stimulus package, according to Aerospace Industries Association Vice President of Civil Aviation Dan Elwell, who testified before Congress last week. He also recommended accelerated depreciation of aircraft purchases, low interest loans for fuel-saving equipment and environmental tax credits, all of which, he said, would keep the aerospace industry employed.
"The aerospace industry is a vital economic engine," Elwell told the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. "The industry provides thousands of high paying jobs and a $60 billion trade balance that bolsters the entire U.S. economy. Funding NextGen is a great two-for-one option at a time when Congress is seeking opportunities to promote economic recovery and policies to protect our planet from global warming."
He urged Congress to provide a real commitment to the deployment of Next Generation Air Transportation System as well as a predictable schedule for that deployment.
The testimony came on the heels of an election report showing taxpayers favor infrastructure investment. Voters who cast ballots on transportation initiatives overwhelmingly said they support tax increases to fund transportation improvements, according to a post-election report from the American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA). While it is assumed that none of the ballot initiatives dealt with aviation spending, it did show widespread support for infrastructure improvement in general, something many in aviation want in the next economic stimulus package aimed at creating jobs.