The NBAA and NATA have welcomed final passage by the U.S. House of Representatives of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

Under the legislation passed by the Senate in August, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act injects $550 billion in new spending for American infrastructure, including investments to modernise the country's transportation systems. Now that both chambers have passed the bill, it is expected to be signed shortly by President Joe Biden.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes funding for the Airport Improvement Program, including providing $5 billion to the FAA over the next five years for towers and other ATC facilities, including dedicated funds for the federal contract tower programme.

The legislation spurs next-generation transit programmes including the development of advanced air mobility (AAM). The strengthening mobility and revolutionising transportation grant programme authorises $100 million annual investments for cities to conduct demonstration projects for “smart city technologies” to improve transportation efficiency and safety.

The public service campaigns are authorised for $5 million each fiscal year from 2022 to 2026 and will promote a broad array of transportation careers, including pilots, mechanics and engineers.

“The National Air Transportation Association applauds the U.S. House of Representative for its passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, an investment in our nation's aviation infrastructure that comes at a critical time for general aviation airports and the communities they serve,” says Timothy Obitts, NATA president and CEO. “This bipartisan legislation provides $500 million a year for general aviation airports through the Airport Improvement Program, allocates an additional $100 million for the Contract Tower Program and authorises a new transportation workforce outreach programme, important steps toward modernising our physical infrastructure and strengthening our skilled workforce.”

NBAA president and CEO Ed Bolen adds: “The bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is a victory for America's transportation sector and a recognition of NBAA's successful advocacy efforts. The bill advances many of our priorities, including the incorporation of the NBAA-supported Promoting Services in Transportation Act.”

NBAA also sees opportunities for AAM in the National Infrastructure Investments plan, which seeks to revolutionise transportation and strengthen the country's mobility. “AAM will revolutionise air transportation in the coming years. We must act now to understand the legislative, regulatory and infrastructure needs of AAM to realise the potential of this transformative industry,” says Bolen.