More private investment is needed to maintain the nation’s transportation infrastructure, including airports, Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta said Tuesday at the NASDAQ market in New York. Airline delays are robbing the economy of $9.7 billion each year, Mineta said, and congestion represents “a looming threat to our economic prosperity.” Mineta’s plan does not propose any changes in federally owned and operated facilities such as towers, FAA spokesman Geoffrey Basye told AVweb. “However, some states and local governments have considered accepting private-sector investments in airports,” Basye said. Mineta’s plan focuses mainly on surface congestion, but does propose several ways to enhance aviation capacity. According to the plan, the government needs to move forward with deploying the Next Generation Air Transportation System, improve efficiency and reduce delays at New York City’s LaGuardia Airport, and streamline environmental reviews for aviation capacity projects. The plan also supports “the use of market-based tools to manage congestion at our most crowded airports,” but it gives no specifics as to the nature of those tools.
DOT On Privatization — Aviation Infrastructure For Sale?
Key Takeaways:
- Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta called for increased private investment in U.S. transportation infrastructure, including airports, to address significant economic losses caused by airline delays and congestion.
- Mineta's plan to enhance aviation capacity includes deploying the Next Generation Air Transportation System, improving efficiency at LaGuardia Airport, and streamlining environmental reviews for aviation projects.
- The plan also supports the use of market-based tools for managing congestion at busy airports and encourages states/local governments to explore private sector investments in airports.
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