PR lawmakers back $30 billion federal airport modernization plan
By THE STAR STAFF
Puerto Rico lawmakers are urging Congress to approve a proposed $30 billion federal aviation modernization package that supporters say would help upgrade airport infrastructure across the United States, including facilities on the island.
Rep. José Aponte Hernández has introduced Concurrent Resolution 46 to formally express the Puerto Rico Legislative Assembly’s support for the Modern Skies Act (S. 5572), legislation that would provide billions of dollars to the Federal Aviation Administration for airport modernization and aviation system upgrades nationwide.
Aponte said the measure would create an opportunity for Puerto Rico to continue modernizing both its international and regional airports, strengthening the island’s position as a key aviation hub in the Caribbean and Latin America.
“This bill represents an opportunity for Puerto Rico to continue modernizing airport infrastructure, both at international and regional facilities,” Aponte said in the resolution’s statement of motives.
The former speaker of the island House of Representatives added that the legislation would help place Puerto Rico at the forefront of air transportation destinations in the Caribbean and Latin America.
The federal measure was introduced by U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and has received the support of U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
Under the proposal, $10 billion would be allocated to modernize air traffic control safety systems and to develop more resilient communications networks to increase the nation’s flight-handling capacity. Another $10 billion would be directed toward airport infrastructure improvements, including runway rehabilitation, control tower upgrades, and electrical system enhancements at both international and regional airports.
The legislation would also establish a $10 billion pilot assistance program for certain airports, although specific eligibility requirements have not yet been detailed.
Supporters of the measure argue the investment is essential as airports and air traffic systems across the country face growing demands from increasing passenger traffic and aging infrastructure.
If approved by Congress, the funding could provide Puerto Rico’s airports with access to federal resources for critical modernization projects, while also supporting broader efforts to improve aviation safety, reliability and operational efficiency throughout the national air transportation system.
