[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 100 (Monday, June 13, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H5452-H5454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADVANCED AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE MODERNIZATION ACT
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the
bill (H.R. 6270) to direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish
a pilot program to provide grants related to advanced air mobility
infrastructure, and for other purposes, as amended.
The Clerk read the title of the bill.
The text of the bill is as follows:
H.R. 6270
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of
the United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced Aviation
Infrastructure Modernization Act'' or the ``AAIM Act''.
SEC. 2. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a
pilot program to provide grants that--
(1) assist an eligible entity to plan for the development
and deployment of infrastructure necessary to facilitate AAM
operations in the United States; and
(2) make funding available for costs directly related to
construction of public-use vertiports or associated
infrastructure.
(b) Planning Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide grants to
eligible entities to develop comprehensive plans under
paragraph (2) related to AAM infrastructure.
(2) Comprehensive plan.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after receiving a
grant under this subsection, an eligible entity shall submit
to the Secretary a comprehensive plan in a format that may be
published on the website of the Department of Transportation.
(B) Plan contents.--The Secretary shall establish content
requirements for comprehensive plans submitted under this
subsection, which may include the following:
(i) The identification of planned or potential public-use
or private-use vertiport locations.
(ii) A description of infrastructure necessary to support
AAM operations.
(iii) A description of types of planned or potential AAM
operations.
(iv) The identification of physical and digital
infrastructure required to meet the standards for vertiport
design and performance characteristics established by the
Federal Aviation Administration (as in effect on the date on
which the Secretary issues a grant to an eligible entity),
including modifications to existing infrastructure and ground
sensors, electric charging and other fueling requirements,
electric utility requirements, wireless and cybersecurity
requirements, and other necessary hardware or software.
(v) A description of potential environmental effects of
planned construction or siting of public-use vertiports,
including efforts to reduce the adverse effects of potential
aviation noise.
(vi) A description of how planned public-use or private-use
vertiport locations, including new or repurposed
infrastructure, fit into existing State and local
transportation systems and networks, including--
(I) connectivity to existing public transportation hubs and
intermodal and multimodal facilities;
(II) opportunities to create new service to areas
underserved by air transportation, without compromising
safety and efficiency of other facilities and airspace users;
and
(III) any potential conflicts to existing aviation
infrastructure that may arise from the proposed location of
the vertiport.
(vii) A description of how public-use vertiport planning
will be incorporated in State or metropolitan planning
documents.
(viii) The identification of the process an eligible entity
will undertake to ensure an adequate level of community
engagement for planned public-use vertiport locations and
planned or anticipated AAM operations, including engagement
with underserved communities, individuals with disabilities,
and racial and ethnic minorities, to address equity of access
and other priorities.
(ix) The identification of the actions necessary for an
eligible entity to undertake the construction of public-use
vertiports, such as planning studies to assess existing
infrastructure, environmental studies, studies of projected
economic benefit to the community, lease or acquisition of an
easement or land for new infrastructure, and activities
related to other capital costs.
(x) The identification of State, local, or private sources
of funding an eligible entity may use to assist with the
construction or operation of a public-use vertiport.
(3) Application.--To apply for a grant under this
subsection, an eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary
an application in such form, at such time, and containing
such information as the Secretary may require.
(4) Selection.--
(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this subsection,
the Secretary shall consider the following:
(i) Geographic diversity.
(ii) The need for comprehensive plans that--
(I) ensure the safe integration of AAM operations into the
National Airspace System;
(II) improve transportation safety, connectivity, access,
and equity in both rural and urban regions in the United
States;
(III) leverage existing public transportation systems and
intermodal and multimodal facilities;
(IV) reduce surface congestion and the environmental
impacts of transportation;
(V) grow the economy and create jobs in the United States;
and
(VI) encourage community engagement when planning for AAM
related infrastructure.
(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall prioritize awarding
grants under this subsection to eligible entities that
partner with commercial AAM entities, institutions of higher
education, research institutions, or other relevant
stakeholders to develop and prepare a comprehensive plan.
(5) Grant amount.--Each grant made under this subsection
shall be made in an amount that is not more than $1,000,000.
(6) Briefing.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the first
comprehensive plan is submitted under paragraph (2), and
every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary shall provide a
briefing to the appropriate committees of Congress on the
comprehensive plans submitted to the Secretary under such
paragraph.
(B) Contents.--The briefing required under subparagraph (A)
shall include--
(i) an evaluation of all planned or proposed public-use
vertiport locations included in the comprehensive plans
submitted under paragraph (2) and how such planned or
proposed public-use vertiport locations may fit into the
overall United States transportation system and network; and
(ii) a description of lessons or best practices learned
through the review of comprehensive plans and how the
Secretary will
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incorporate any such lessons or best practices into Federal
standards or guidance for the design and operation of AAM
infrastructure and facilities.
(c) Construction Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to covered
recipients to carry out construction activities described
under paragraph (2).
(2) Eligible uses.--A covered recipient may use grant funds
awarded under this subsection for design, bidding, and
environmental study activities, and other capital costs, as
the Secretary determines appropriate, directly related to the
construction of a public-use vertiport or associated
infrastructure pursuant to the comprehensive plan submitted
by such covered recipient.
(3) Requirements.--The requirements of subsections (b) and
(c) of section 47112 of title 49, United States Code, and
section 50101 of such title, shall apply to a grant awarded
under this subsection.
(4) Limitation.--The Secretary may not award a grant under
this subsection--
(A) for the acquisition, conversion, or retrofitting of AAM
aircraft; or
(B) for the construction of private-use vertiports or
associated infrastructure.
(5) Grant timing.--The Secretary may not issue a grant
under this subsection until--
(A) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration has--
(i) issued type certificates for 2 or more models of
aircraft designed to provide AAM transportation; and
(ii) published an advisory circular containing appropriate
standards for vertiport design and performance
characteristics and vertiport siting; and
(B) the Secretary has--
(i) determined that 2 or more AAM operators hold
certificates under part 119 of title 14, Code of Federal
Regulations, for such operators to perform air carrier
operations covered under part 135 of such title; and
(ii) issued, to 2 or more air carriers formed to provide
AAM transportation, certificates under chapter 411 of title
49, United States Code.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Secretary to carry out this section $12,500,000 for
each of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until
expended.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts made available
under paragraph (1), the Secretary may retain up to 1 percent
for personnel, contracting, and other costs to establish and
administer the pilot program under this section.
(e) Termination.--
(1) In general.--No grant may be awarded under this section
after September 30, 2023.
(2) Continued funding.--Funds authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to subsection (d) may be expended after September
30, 2023--
(A) for grants awarded prior to September 30, 2023; and
(B) for administrative expenses.
(f) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Advanced air mobility; aam.--The terms ``advanced air
mobility'' and ``AAM'' mean an air transportation system that
transports individuals and property between points in the
United States using aircraft, such as remotely piloted,
autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing aircraft,
including those powered by electric or hybrid driven
propulsion, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(3) Commercial aam entities.--The term ``commercial AAM
entities'' means--
(A) manufacturers of aircraft, avionics, propulsion
systems, and air traffic management systems related to AAM;
and
(B) intended commercial operators of AAM aircraft and
systems.
(4) Covered recipient.--The term ``covered recipient''
means the recipient of a grant under subsection (b) who has
submitted a comprehensive plan--
(A) that has been reviewed by the Secretary pursuant to
subsection (b); and
(B) that the Secretary has determined contains proposed
projects that comply with the standards for vertiport design,
performance, and siting characteristics described in a
published advisory circular.
(5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State, local, or Tribal government, including a
political subdivision thereof;
(B) an airport sponsor;
(C) a transit agency;
(D) a port authority;
(E) a metropolitan planning organization; or
(F) any combination or consortium of the entities described
in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(6) Metropolitan planning organization.--The term
``metropolitan planning organization'' has the meaning given
such term in section 5303(b) of title 49, United States Code.
(7) Public-use vertiport.--The term ``public-use
vertiport'' means a designated location used or intended to
be used for public purposes and to support AAM operations,
including the landing, takeoff, loading, taxiing, parking,
and storage of vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
(8) State.--The term ``State'' means a State of the United
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and
Guam.
(9) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(10) Vertical take-off and landing aircraft.--The term
``vertical take-off and landing aircraft'' means an aircraft
with lift/thrust units used to generate powered lift and
control and with 2 or more lift/thrust units used to provide
lift during vertical take-off or landing.
SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act may be construed as conferring upon any
person, State, local, or Tribal government the authority to
determine the safety of any AAM operation or the feasibility
of simultaneous operations by AAM and conventional aircraft
within any given area of the National Airspace System.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) and the gentleman from South Dakota (Mr. Johnson)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon, the chairman of the
Transportation and Infrastructure Committee.
General Leave
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks
and include extraneous material on H.R. 6270, as amended.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Oregon?
There was no objection.
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6270, legislation sponsored by
the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Larsen) and the gentleman from
Louisiana (Mr. Graves).
With the recent passage of the landmark Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act, Congress renewed its commitment to robust Federal investment
in the Nation's airport infrastructure to address the rising demand for
air travel. As the needs of the traveling public evolve, we must build
on this momentum to leverage innovative aviation technologies, such as
advanced air mobility, called AAM, to help address future challenges.
The success of these efforts depends on early and consistent
engagement with State and local communities to ensure that AAM
infrastructure is safely integrated into the national airspace system,
accessible to all, and built to the appropriate Federal standards.
H.R. 6270 continues Congress' thorough oversight of the emerging AAM
industry and helps local communities across the country prepare for and
take advantage of the tremendous potential of this technology.
The bill invests $25 million to establish a 2-year U.S. Department of
Transportation pilot program to fund comprehensive planning grants for
State, local, territorial, and Tribal governments to prepare for the
deployment of AAM vertiports and related infrastructure in their
communities.
These comprehensive plans may include details on potential vertiport
locations; physical and digital infrastructure needs; potential
environmental effects; connectivity to existing transportation systems;
and strategies to ensure community engagement and equity.
The bill's pilot program would also provide limited funding for some
public vertiport construction activities, such as design, bidding, and
environmental study activities, only after the FAA has certified at
least two AAM aircraft models, issued airworthiness determinations for
at least two AAM operators, and published an advisory circular on
vertiport design and performance and siting standards, among other
criteria.
H.R. 6270 has the support of cosponsors from both sides of the aisle
and the endorsement of several organizations representing the U.S.
aviation and aerospace sector, and State and local governments.
Mr. Speaker, I support this bipartisan legislation, and I urge my
colleagues to do the same. I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as
I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, let's start with the basics. What is advanced air
mobility, AAM? This bill and the next one deal a fair amount with the
concept. It is just
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making sure that we have got in place a system so the remotely piloted
or autonomous or vertical takeoff and landing aircraft are able to
integrate into our existing air infrastructure.
Mr. Speaker, it is incredibly important to do that in a way that is
effective and that is safe. As the chairman said, Mr. Speaker, that is
where H.R. 6270 comes in, the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure
Modernization Act. It does establish a pilot program which would
provide targeted grants related to the planning and construction of
this AAM.
We all know that the United States has a robust network of general
aviation airports and heliports. Their impact on most every community
in America is probably not fully grasped. They are a critically
important part of our Nation's infrastructure.
We want to make sure that those facilities have the necessary
infrastructure in place for innovative new entrants so we can make sure
our Nation's airports and airspace system are used by these innovative
new entrants in a way that is safe and safely integrated with the
existing traffic.
Of course, as is the case with most transportation planning, it is
State and local experts that are best suited to help plan for the
integration of AAM into our national system.
Mr. Speaker, that is the approach that this bill takes. It doesn't
give all the money to USDOT. It makes sure that these grants are
targeted at the State and local level so we can get the best bang for
our buck. Making certain that AAM works for all of our constituent
communities is the goal. It is the goal of this bill. I look forward to
seeing how different communities embrace advanced air mobility
operations.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Subcommittee Chairman Rick Larsen and Ranking
Member Garret Graves for their work and leadership on this bill.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the legislation, and I reserve the
balance of my time.
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I reserve
the balance of my time.
Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. Speaker, I am prepared to close, and
I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, H.R. 6270 takes an important step in giving
our State and local transportation planning experts the tools they need
to continue the introduction of advanced air mobility aircraft.
Mr. Speaker, I urge support of the legislation, and I yield back the
balance of my time.
Mr. DeFAZIO. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, to reiterate, we have an emerging technology. For once,
we need to get ahead of the curve, including the FAA, so that we are
not impeding the tremendous potential of AAM across so many sectors and
virtually every community in America.
Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to support this
legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.
Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6270, the
Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act, or the AAIM Act.
H.R. 6270 would establish a pilot program to help state, local and
Tribal governments prepare for advanced air mobility operations and
ensure that communities can take advantage of the potential benefits of
the safe integration of these technologies in our nation's airspace.
The AAIM Act outlines a comprehensive set of considerations for
infrastructure planning that will enable communities to maximize the
societal benefits that Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) stands to offer.
Air mobility is a promising industry set to advance and enhance
American methods of transportation.
For more than 100 years, the U.S. aerospace and defense (A&D)
industry has been at the forefront of innovation.
From the first flight in the air to the first steps on the moon, the
industry has led the United States' economic and national security
success domestically and internationally.
AAM is a new concept of air transportation using electric vertical
takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft to move people and cargo between
places not currently or easily served.
The AAM market is estimated to reach US$115 billion annually by 2035,
employing more than 280,000 high-paying jobs.
To keep pace with this growing sector, states and localities need to
prepare for anticipated AAM operations and ensure local communities can
take advantage of the potential benefits of the safe integration of AAM
technologies in U.S. airspace.
H.R. 6270 establishes a two-year pilot program that invests $25
million in competitive grants for state, local, territorial, and Tribal
governments to prepare for the development and deployment of AAM
vertiports and related infrastructure.
Powered by electric or hybrid propulsion, AAM offers significant
potential to improve mobility and complement existing public,
transportation networks while reducing congestion and carbon and noise
emissions.
I urge all my colleagues to support H.R. 6270 the Advanced Aviation
Infrastructure Modernization Act.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio) that the House suspend the rules
and pass the bill, H.R. 6270, as amended.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. GOOD of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and
nays.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to section 3(s) of House Resolution
8, the yeas and nays are ordered.
Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, further proceedings on this motion
are postponed.
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