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 Municipal airports, and some prioritization of projects 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:
The funds flow into the Transportation fund, and then from there flow out to Aviation, Highway, Marine and other transportation projects in the state. This year, the money set aside for Aviation is down 40%, while registration fees are up 40%. Prior to the current administration, these taxes and fees went into a "Retained Revenue Account" that was dedicated for Aviation. However the current administration doesn't support this approach, and Aviation taxes and fees end up in the General Fund with no Aviation set-aside.
There are 2572 registered aircraft, and currently 38 airports in Massachusetts.
Funding Source | Allocation of Funds |
---|---|
2.5% State | |
2.5% Local | |
20% Local | |
State Funded | 80% State |
Federal Funded | 95% Federal |
Private Airports are not Eligible for Federal Funds However the MAC funding rules do not make any distinction. Any public use airport is eligible for state funding of improvement projects. The MAC charter was written to ensure that all public use facilies in the state can get support.
And the private airports do get used. For example, according to Roy Bourgeois, the most active GA runway in the state (during glider season) is Sterling. The Greater Boston Soaring Club moved their operations to Sterling in 1998. Each glider tow results in 4 operations, so they add up quickly. On a typical early summer weekend day there are 20-24 operations per hour - not even Logan does that on a single runway.
Why are small private, public use airports not getting help?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.
The reality is that small private airports are often living on the edge of survival. Gregg mentioned a potential runway repair project at Marlboro is estimated to be a $1,000,000 project. Even if the project is given priority, per the 80/20 funding, Marlboro would have to raise $200,000.
Taxes are paid by all of us. All airports compete for the same small group of pilots, students and aircraft. 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. For example, 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. Our representatives need to hear from pilots if the exemption is to be continued.
Contact your State Senators and Representatives and express your opinion.
-- GeorgeClark - 23 Nov 2006