New Jersey Aviation Association Board Chairman Justin Edwards has sent a list of planned airport projects to the Federal Aviation Administration in an effort to bring federal “stimulus” funds to the state’s airports. There is a long list of unfunded projects that are ‘shovel ready,’ he said, adding that most of the airport improvements that qualify can be started within 120 days.
The New Jersey Aviation Association represents the state’s multi-billion dollar general aviation industry, which provides more than 17,000 jobs, Edwards said. His letter to the FAA expressed concern that the state airport system would be diminished without the safety upgrades and infrastructure improvements that New Jersey is requesting. The state has lost a disquieting number of public use airports in recent years. Many of those that remain will be unable to weather the current economic downturn without help, he said.
In addition to jobs, New Jersey’s airports generate high value economic activity and local investment, said Arlene Feldman, president of NJAA. “It is our role to insure that companies in business aviation are able to survive in New Jersey and continue to make their enormous contributions to our State economy,” she said. “If airports disappear, those companies that need the safety, security and on-time convenience of our airports will go elsewhere. General aviation airports are basic business infrastructure.”
With troubling and inaccurate statements being made against business aviation, “NJAA, more than ever, is working to protect, promote and preserve New Jersey’s aviation industry,” Feldman said. “With that in mind, NJAA will continue to pressure the FAA for the critical funding of airport improvement and maintenance projects.”
For information: www.njaviation.org
