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Garamendi Bill Unlocks $1.8 Billion Federal Financing for Airports

July 13, 2020

Supports Airport Modernization, Aviation Safety, and Pandemic Response Projects


WASHINGTON, DC—Today, Congressman John Garamendi (D-CA), a senior member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, introduced the "TIFIA for Airports Act" (H.R.7523).

● Original Cosponsors: Adam B. Schiff (D-CA-28), Conor Lamb (D-PA-17)

● Endorsements: Airports Council International-North America, American Association of Airport Executives, Airlines for America (A4A)

The "TIFIA for Airports Act" would make public airport projects eligible for low-interest federal loans and loan guarantees under the U.S. Department of Transportation's Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) Program. Approximately $1.88 billion of federal financing is available, as of the end of Fiscal Year 2019.

"The country that invented air travel should not have to look to other countries' airports with envy. Congress must invest in modernizing our airports to better meet the traveling public's needs and address public health concerns like coronavirus," said Congressman Garamendi (D-CA). "My legislation would unlock more than $1.88 billion in federal financing for airport modernization projects across California and the nation, including climate resilience projects. Now more than ever, Americans deserve airports that are as efficient, safe, and clean as possible."

"We need to build various ground access projects at Sacramento International (SMF) and Mather (MHR) Airports to improve public accessibility and facilitate movement of cargo, which has grown rapidly especially since the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. We believe that TIFIA loans would be the best funding source to enable passengers and cargo to get to and from our airports, given our funding challenges, and we strongly support this bill," said Director Cynthia A. Nichol, Sacramento County Department of Airports.

The "TIFIA for Airports Act" would require that all TIFIA-funded airport projects adhere to existing "Buy American" requirements under the FAA's Airport Improvement Program. Privately owned airports or projects for general aviation (private/charter aircraft) would not be eligible under the "TIFIA for Airports Act."

U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and David Perdue (R-GA) introduced similar legislation, the "Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act for Airports" (S.563) in the Senate last year.