LaMalfa Votes to Reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration

(Washington, DC) – Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) issued the following statement after the House passed H.R. 4, the FAA Reauthorization Act, a 5-year bill to reauthorize programs of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), provide long-term stability for the Nation's aviation community, increase investment in airports across the country, improve America's competitiveness in the global aviation sector, strengthen passenger protections, and ensure the safety of the traveling public. This legislation also included the Disaster Recovery Reform Act, which focuses on pre-disaster mitigation.

LaMalfa said: "Reauthorization of the FAA this year is key for continuity, stability and improvement in air travel. This legislation strengthens American aviation by increasing innovation, ensuring aviation infrastructure connectivity for businesses and travelers, and addressing recent safety issues for commercial airline passengers. It will also improve global competitiveness by cutting red tape and streamlining the regulatory process. On a local level, I worked to include language that, as one example, will allow the City of Chico to apply for agrant that will greatly benefit the local municipal airport. Importantly, H.R. 4 will also help mitigate damage from disasters before they happen by making the infrastructure in our communities more resilient towards wildfires, hurricanes, and other disasters. This bill is an investment in America's long history of aviation innovation and pioneering, and it puts passengers first."

Chico Mayor Sean Morgan said: "On behalf of the City, the Airport Commission, the Airport Manager, and private groups like JetChico, I'd like to sincerely thank Congressman LaMalfa for working tirelessly to return air service to our special community. Congressman LaMalfa is leaving no stone unturned as he works to change legislation that is an impediment to our success."

Norm Rosene, Co-Founder and Spokesperson for JetChico, said: "JetChico is very excited about this legislation. It will allow the City of Chico to pursue a Small Community Air Service Development Program (SCASDP) grant, which will be used to attract airline service to Chico Municipal Airport. With the SCASDP grant, we will be able to target our number one destination, which is LAX. JetChico is extremely grateful to Congressman LaMalfa and his staff for their persistence, and for their continuous support in the important effort to return commercial air service to Butte County."

Small airports, such as Chico Municipal, can apply for a SCASDP grant to help fund the start of a new air travel route. However, an airport can never apply for the same route twice under current rules. In 2006, Chico applied for and was granted funding to start a route to LAX, but never actually used the funds. H.R. 4 alters the SCASDP reapplication rules to allow airports to apply for the same route after 10 years.

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