Sure, FAA's system could probably be more cost effective. We should endeavor to improve it. Our nation is historically, politically, and culturally different from our neighbors around the world, their privatized systems are not the answer to any perceived deficiencies in ours. The states regard themselves as full partners with the FAA in maintaining and improving our national airport-airway system. All 50 states have statewide aviation system plans.
All states have airport capital improvement plans.
The states are already investing heavily in the airport system and there are no unused coins in the states' wallet. We are very concerned about the health of our nation's airports and concerned that additional federal cutbacks will cause them grievous harm that we in the states will be unable to afford to correct. I think that you know that the states are already picking up former federal responsibilities and that more are on the way. For instance, FAA, as part of its National Airspace System Architecture, has proposed that it discontinue funding various navigational aids and lighting systems at airports across the country. If that happens, only the largest and most profitable airports will be able to pay for their lighting systems and the states will face yet another quandary over unfunded but essential aviation programs.