Members of the General Aviation Caucus in the House of Representatives are urging the FAA to protect federally obligated airports, as well as expressing their support for a recent finding that Santa Monica Municipal Airport is obligated to remain open and operating at least until 2023.
According to a report at AOPA.org, 40 House GA Caucus members signed a Dec. 18 letter to FAA Administrator Michael Huerta expressing concern about efforts by local governments to close or restrict access to small airports like Santa Monica. The letter urges the FAA and federal government to “enforce and defend” its agreements, including Airport Improvement Program grant assurances and Surplus Property Act deeds, both of which affect GA airports nationwide, including Santa Monica.
“The FAA must take all necessary steps to protect and maintain general aviation and commercial service airports in our aviation system, particularly airports that are critical to the national air transportation system and helps air transportation contribute to a productive national economy and international competitiveness,” the letter says. “These airports are a national asset and must be protected and maintained.”