Added section to require study of air cargo operations in PR
By The Star Staff
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate amendment to House Resolution (HR) 3935, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act this week, sending the measure to President Joe Biden to officially sign it into law, Resident Commissioner Jenniffer González Colón announced Thursday.
“Airports play a crucial role in connecting communities, fostering economic growth and creating job opportunities,” González Colón said in a written statement.
“Recognizing this, I supported H.R. 3935 while on the [Transportation and Infrastructure] Committee,” she added. “The move demonstrates a comprehensive approach to strengthening Puerto Rico’s aviation sector, from infrastructure investment to workforce development and air traffic control education.”
Section 761 of the law, inserted by the resident commissioner, requires a study on air cargo operations in Puerto Rico.
“The federal government will identify elements necessary to expand air cargo operations in Puerto Rico, including infrastructure and additional personnel, through the island’s three international airports,” González Colón said.
HR 3935 authorizes funds under the Airports and Airways Trust Fund for airport infrastructure projects in the nation, with a special focus on small and general aviation airports. Puerto Rico will benefit significantly from the legislation, with an estimated additional $20 million allocated for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding.
With 10 airports in Puerto Rico included in the National Plan for Integrated Airport Systems, the island is poised to substantially improve its aviation infrastructure using the funding. The AIP funds will support capital improvement projects aimed at increasing efficiency, safety and improving the passenger experience at the island’s airports.
In addition, HR 3935 prioritizes workforce development in the aviation sector, recognizing the critical need for skilled professionals to sustain and advance the industry. The law reauthorizes funding for the Aviation Workforce Development grant program, with the goal of educating and training the next generation of aviation professionals in rural and urban areas of Puerto Rico and the rest of the United States.
The measure also recognizes the importance of maintaining Essential Air Services, thereby benefiting Eugenio María de Hostos Airport in Mayagüez. In addition, it supports the University Air Traffic Control Training Initiative program, a partnership between certain universities and the FAA, which serves as a conduit for recruiting and training air traffic controllers. Inter-American University of Puerto Rico in Bayamón excels in this area.
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