U.S. Congressman Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) successfully secured a provision in Congress’ aviation re-authorization package to provide the Pinal County Airpark with an air traffic control tower to improve growth and safety in the state.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) re-authorization package refers to a periodic process through which Congress develops legislation to renew authorizing statutes and revise and update relevant laws governing civil aviation programs and functions primarily carried out by the FAA. In addition to funding and operations of the FAA, the context of FAA re-authorization also considers some aviation programs administered by other components of the Department of Transportation (DOT). The package is reconsidered every five years.
Ciscomani successfully included an amendment to the bipartisan FAA re-authorization package, House Resolution (H.R.) 3935, known as the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, to expedite the development of a tower at the Pinal County Airpark.
According to Ciscomani, no air traffic control tower is currently at the Pinal County Airpark. Without a tower, the airpark faces both operational and safety issues, which hinder the airpark’s ability to grow economically. Ciscomani notes that the airpark hosts more than 100,000 commercial and military aviation operations annually.
The congressman said it thrills him to see this safety measure included in the FAA re-authorization package.
“My amendment would expedite the addition of an air traffic control tower to the airport, making the skies over Arizona 06 safer. I am thrilled to see the Pinal Airpark prioritized in this year’s bipartisan FAA re-authorization package. This is a step in the right direction to encourage growth in the county and region,” Ciscomani said.
Vice Chair of the Pinal County Board of Supervisors Jeffrey McClure thanked Ciscomani for his leadership in providing additional safety measures and economic development in Pinal County.
“Providing Pinal Airpark with an air traffic control tower not only improves safety in the area but will create jobs, spur economic development, and enhance critical military readiness and training. We thank Congressman Ciscomani for his effective leadership and work to include this effort in the FAA re-authorization package,” McClure said.
The measure with Ciscomani’s amendment overwhelmingly passed in Congress is now in the Senate, where lawmakers are considering their bill to reauthorize the FAA.
Lawmakers in both chambers will have to work out differences between the two pieces of legislation by September 30th, when the current FAA authorization terminates.
The Arizona Sun Times reached out to Ciscomani and McClure for additional comments but did not receive a reply before press time.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
