Tribal airports
will finally qualify for funds they have been contributing to for years
State Capitol, Phoenix – Senator Jack C. Jackson,
Jr. and Representative Albert Hale released the following statements on the
Legislature’s passage of Sen. Jackson’s bill, Senate Bill 1317.
Background:
SB
1317 allows Indian reservations to receive monies from the State Aviation
Fund for planning, design, development, acquisition of interests in land,
construction and improvement of publicly owned and operated airport facilities
on land that is held by an Indian or Tribal government.
The
State Aviation Fund receives revenue collected primarily from taxes on aviation
properties and fuel and from aircraft registration fees. These are paid by all
sources, including tribal airports, yet for decades the statute that created
the State Aviation Fund ignored tribal facilities.
SB1317
corrects that exclusion and allows the State Transportation Board to award
grants from the State Aviation Fund to make improvements at any of the 14
tribal airports in Arizona.
Senator
Jack C. Jackson Jr.:
"Arizona's
tribal airports are critical to the entire state for commerce and emergency
transportation as well as bolstering our tourism industry," said Sen.
Jackson. "By finally qualifying for the State Aviation Fund resources to
which they have long been contributing, they will be able to improve their
facilities and ensure their long term viability."
"It
is deeply gratifying to see this legislation finally pass after years of hard
work. Crucial support was given by the Arizona Airports Association, as well as
Representatives Hale and Peshlakai and the Navajo Nation Division of
Transportation. I respectfully request that Governor Brewer sign this important
piece of legislation.”
Representative
Albert Hale:
"I
am thankful for the support this bill received and that the members of the
Arizona House and Senate recognized its importance,” said Rep. Hale. “This
legislation addresses public safety issues within Indian Nations. Current law
prevents Indian Nations from accessing state resources designated for airport
improvements. Many of the airports in our communities are in need maintenance
and repair work. This becomes readily apparent during medical emergencies that
require air transportation. Some of the airports are just not equipped to
handle these situations safely. This legislation will help correct that
problem.”
“It
is also important to remember that people living in Indian Nations are
taxpayers. They deserve an equal share of state resources and services."
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