[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 138 (Monday, September 30, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1868]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 3539, FEDERAL AVIATION AUTHORIZATION ACT OF 
                                  1996

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                               speech of

                            HON. BUD SHUSTER

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 27, 1996

  Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, the conference report for H.R. 3539, the 
Federal Aviation Reauthorization Act of 1996 includes an airport 
privatization pilot program. Five airports will be allowed to either be 
sold or enter into long-term leases.
  The intent is to allow the private sector to bring more capital, 
efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to our congested airport system.
  The bill requires these privatization agreements to be approved by 
the Department of Transportation and the majority of airlines.
  The bill contains many safeguards to ensure that not only does the 
airport remain open to the public, but that proper capital investments 
and safety improvements are made.
  This is a pilot program, but I am confident that the success of the 
program will convince the skeptics that privatization of some airports 
can be extremely beneficial.
  Under this program, DOT will select five airports to privatize, one 
of which must be a general aviation airport. Allegheny Airport in 
Pennsylvania is a general aviation airport which is interested in 
privatization and would be an excellent candidate to be sold as part of 
the program. Allegheny Airport was the only general aviation airport 
discussed during the conference and it is the one the conferees expect 
to be chosen for the program, if they choose to apply.

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