Gregg Andrews called a pilot meeting out at Spencer on Wednesday September 21st. His topic the changover of MAC appointees under the current administration, Aviation funding in Massachusetts, and the difficulties that small private airports have in obtaining funds for airport improvements. He is calling for fairness in allocation of funds between Private and Municipial airports, and some prioritization of projects toward those that would contribute to airport survival. He makes a very good point:
Four private airports have closed over the past year or so!
(Palmer, Norfolk, Shirley, and Oxford) Certainly it is not all due to funding issues - pressure for land development is certainly a big factor. But as our smaller airports deteriorate, it becomes more and more difficult for them to remain viable. I'll try to review Gregg's points here and suggest a possible role for WAPA.
Aviation funding in Massachusetts is managed out of the Transportation budget of the general fund. Aviation funding comes from several sources:
Airport improvements are funded with the following formulas
Funding Source | Allocation of Funds |
---|---|
2.5% State | |
2.5% Local | |
20% Local | |
Federal Funded | 95% Federal |
State Funded | 80% State |
As can be seen, there is a clear advantage to the State when funds are applied to a Federally qualified project. 95% of the project is paid out of the Federal budget, money flows into the state with benefit for employment and the economy. This places a significant emphasis on projects at Municipal airports. Ramps have been re-paved at Worcester, Southbridge ended up with a new dump truck, lawnmowers, a new ramp and a new building.
However at the same time, the runways had become nearly unusable at Oxford, and the airport is now closed and used for Truck Parking. Spencer needs runway work and tree removal, Marlboro needs runway repairs, and the list goes on.
Taxes are paid by all of us. All airports compete for the same small group of pilots, students and aircraft, and Fuel Taxes and Registration Fees are collected regardless of what airport we fly from. And private airports are required to maintain the same safety standards. But the tax revenue doesn't flow back evenly. Indeed in 2004, it didn't flow back at all.
Representative Anne Gobi attended the meeting, and is a member of the powerful Ways and Means committee. She is also part of a newly formed Aviation Caucus. She pointed out that she has not heard from any pilots regarding funding, or taxes. Indeed the Aviation Sales Tax exemption which has helped put Massachusetts on an even tax footing with Massachusetts and Connecticut, is due for renewal this year.
Asking for "fairness" in allocation of funds is a rather difficult concept. Everyone has their own definition of "fair". Howver if our priority is to ensure survival of our airports, the following ideas might work toward that objective:
Contact your State Senators and Representatives and express your opinion.
-- GeorgeClark - 24 Sep 2005