NYAMA joins with Congressmen Israel and Bishop to Call Congress to Reauthorize FAA operations

ALBANY, NY (08/04/2011)(readMedia)-- New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) President Carl Beardsley and NYAMA Secretary Teresa Rizzuto today joined with Congressmen Steve Israel and Tim Bishop today to insist that Congress return to Capitol Hill to resolve the FAA shutdown by authorizing the federal agency's federal appropriations.

At a news conference held at Islip Town's Long Island MacArthur Airport, Islip Town Supervisor Phil Nolan joined the Congressmen, NYAMA's Beardsley and Ms. Rizzuto who also serves as Commissioner of Aviation for Long Island MacArthur Airport. Together, they detailed the ongoing impact of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutdown on that airport and aviation facilities throughout New York.

The FAA has been shutdown since July 23, resulting in a furlough of nearly 4,000 FAA employees as well as an estimated 87,000 jobs jeopardized because of stop-work orders on aviation related capital infrastructure projects.

Additionally, it is estimated that over $1 billion may be lost to the Aviation Trust Fund should Congress continue to delay passage of the FAA Reauthorization.

"It remains incomprehensible to the aviation community, and the taxpayer, that the administrative functions of the FAA have been shut down due to partisan bickering in Washington," said Beardsley. "Aviation remains a core pillar of our nation's economy and at a time when we need every tool to restart investment and confidence in America's business community a full functioning FAA is nothing less than crucial. If the FAA shutdown doesn't end immediately it will create a cascading effect on major capital projects that will damage our aviation infrastructure for years to come."

Ms. Rizzuto stated, "Not only does the aviation community speak as one on this issue but every American who wants to see a return to economic health, who wants an opportunity to be employed and who insists on a fully functioning government is also standing with us. We implore members of Congress to make this issue a top priority in strengthening the future of our nation's economy and promptly approve the authorization required to reopen the FAA's administrative doors this week."

The FAA shutdown impacts a wide range of workers across New York and critical projects at airports across the state. These projects are essential as they enhance safety, improve security, increase capacity and create 1000's of jobs. Just a few examples of the projects impacted in New York State include:

Syracuse International Airport

Rehab SRE Storage Building Access Road and Apron (Design) $194,890

Reconstruct Sand Storage Dome (Design) $142,402

Construct Snow Removal Building (Design) $249,725

Rehabilitate Deicing Pads (Construction) $4,486,080

Ithaca Tompkins Regional Airport

Terminal Apron Rehabilitation (Design) $ 232,370

ARFF Building Addition (Design) $ 34,215

Greater Binghamton Airport

Runway 16-34 RSA Improvements $12,960,987

Elmira-Corning Regional Airport

Runway 24 & Taxiway A Extension $9,006,977

Rochester International Airport

Runway 28 precision approach position indicator $346,000

Ongoing roof replacement project for the ATCT complex $316,000

Plumbing/mechanical project for the ATCT $27,000

Long Island MacArthur Airport and Bayport Aerodrome

Bayport Aerodrome Fencing Upgrades $160,000

Runway Obstruction Analysis $150,000

Design of ARFF Facility and Demolition of Old ATCT $1,000,000

Recently, the New York State Department of Transportation issued a report that New York's airports generate $50 billion in annual economic activity. Transportation Commissioner Joan McDonald stated, "Continued strategic investments in New York State's aviation industry will help rebuild the economy by attracting and retaining businesses that depend on aviation. . ." Maintaining the positive impact that aviation has on our economy relies heavily on the Aviation Trust Fund, FAA and its Airport Improvement Program (AIP).

NYAMA is a non-profit association of airport management officials with members from related State government agencies, planning boards, consultants and equipment manufacturers. NYAMA was formed in 1976 by representatives of New York State airports and remains devoted to promoting airport development and representing the needs of the entire aviation industry.