Good afternoon, Mr. Chairman and Members of the Subcommittee. I will summarize our views but ask that our full statement be entered into the record. These highly skilled professionals are full partners with the federal government in the development and maintenance of the safest and most efficient aviation system in the world. All states develop statewide aviation system plans and airport capital improvement plans.
Many states also build, own, and operate their own airports.
Each year, state aviation officials conduct safety inspections at thousands of public-use airports. Countless aviation activities including statewide meetings, airport symposiums, pilot safety seminars and aviation education forums are also organized annually by the states. The role of state programs and the responsibilities of the state aviation agencies are expanding. In 1996, Congress made the State Block Grant Program permanent. As a result, nine states are already fully responsible for directly administering federal Airport Improvement Program funds.