ACC News and Updates
Congress Attempts to Avert Government Shutdown
December 3, 2021
House and Senate leaders reached an agreement to extend government funding through February 18th, 2022, potentially averting a shutdown. While no FY 2022 appropriations bills have been passed yet, Congress did pass a short-term continuing resolution (CR) in September that expires on Friday. Congressional Republicans are balking at supporting an extension in protest of federal vaccination requirements, and a band of Senate Republicans are threatening to force a brief shutdown.
Read the full article here.
Biden Administration Issues Order on Infrastructure Funding Implementation
November 18, 2021
This week President Biden signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (BIB) in a large ceremony in the Rose Garden of the White House. The Administration also released an Executive Order outlining the approach to implementing the bill and funding priorities. Emphasis areas include; efficient and non-wasteful investments; Buy America focus and high labor standards and wages; and resiliency. A task force lead by former New Orleans Mayor, Mitch Landrieu, was appointed to coordinate the implementation of the BIB. ACC’s Advocacy Committee continues to monitor developments and next steps.
Learn more in the full press release.
ACC Praises Passage of Comprehensive Infrastructure Bill
November 11, 2021
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the comprehensive bi-partisan infrastructure bill last Friday, clearing the way for President Biden's signature. "The $550 billion in new funding is historic, and will help make a dent in the pressing infrastructure needs of the country," said ACC President T.J. Schulz. "The $20 billion in new spending for airports over the next five years will be put to good use in helping our airports increase capacity and upgrade aging facilities and infrastructure. We look forward to working with FAA on implementation guidance relating to the distribution of funding as soon as possible." ACC informed its membership of passage of the bill, and the ACC Advocacy Committee leadership discussed future plans relating to implementation of the bill. Learn more by reading the full
ACC legislative alert .
Democrats Continue Talks on Social Spending Bill
October 21, 2021
Congressional Democratic leaders continue to discuss a way forward on finding agreement on a massive $3.5 trillion social infrastructure bill. Reports indicate that the overall price will likely come down, perhaps to $2 trillion, to assuage moderate Democrats worried about the price tag. Disagreements on the social and climate spending package are holding up movement on a bipartisan, $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill that includes $25 billion in airport investment.
Read the full article here.
September 23, 2021
Congressional Democratic leaders continue to work with factions in their party on finding a way to bring forward and pass the $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. While there is general support for the infrastructure bill, its fate is tied to a separate $3.5 trillion climate and social safety net bill. Prospects for a promised vote on the infrastructure bill on September 27th are unclear, as progressive Democrats will not support voting on the infrastructure bill until the $3.5 trillion bill is passed. Meanwhile, moderate Democrats are concerned about the price tag of the larger bill. Airport could get $25 billion in funding if the infrastructure bill is passed. Congress must also pass a short-term spending bill to keep the government operating after the current fiscal year ends at midnight on September 30th.
Read the full article here .
September 17, 2021
Key committees in the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate moved aviation-related provisions of the massive $3.5 trillion reconciliation bill this week. Provisions include $1 billion for the Department of Transportation to support investments for projects that develop, demonstrate, or apply low-emission aviation technologies or produce, transport, blend, or store sustainable aviation fuels, to sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). Another provides $6 million to help the FAA fully implement the provisions of the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, the system adopted by the ICAO to reduce aviation's international carbon emissions.
Read the full article here.
The Resilience of Aviation After 9/11
September 9, 2021
The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and New York City were the catalyst for sweeping changes in the aviation industry. Within the US and abroad, new security measures, both visible and invisible to the public, were instituted, and we still see their impact every time we pass through the airport. Thanks to ACC members working collaboratively with airports and government, industry adapted and created new innovations in airport design and security. There is no question that we are safer today than before 9/11. Similar to 9/11, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the resilience of our industry. New touchless and sanitation technologies for airports and airlines are creating a safer travel experience, allowing for the reshaping of air travel in the years to come. Twenty years later, we continue to build on the lessons learned from these events to ensure safer air travel that Americans can rely on.
"The tragic events of that day impacted our entire industry immensely. Professionally, for those of us already in the aviation industry, and many like me who were on airport construction sites that day, our focus changed drastically and rapidly to meet the immediate needs of aviation security. And for those who began their careers afterwards, many new areas of concentration developed as a result. I continue to be thankful for the innovation and spirit of collaboration our close-knit community of colleagues exudes to this day through every challenge thrown at us. Never forget." — Larry Studdiford, ACC Board Chair, President, Studdiford Technical Solutions, LLC
Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan Would Create 800,000 New Jobs
September 9, 2021
The analysis from S&P Global – which was circulated by the White House – estimates that by 2030, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act would boost employment by more than 880,000, with many middle-class jobs, including in construction, engineering and accounting. Learn more about the research here.
Enter The Hold Room, ACC's Newest Podcast
August 20, 2021
The Hold Room is a bi-weekly podcast, focusing on the 'New Passenger Experience', brought to you by ACC and the ACC Terminal and Facilities New Passenger Experience Subcommittee. The podcast will explore the latest trends in airport development and passenger facilities here in the U.S. and around the world. Our first guest is Rick Lucas, Senior Project Manager at McFarland Johnson. Rick spoke with Laura Canham (McFarland Johnson) and Max Vale (Ricondo & Associates) about his experience as an Xennial regarding traveling during the pandemic and the outlook for the year ahead. The podcast can be found on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Stitcher. Be sure to follow ACC on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook for updates on new episodes.
Senate Passes Infrastructure Bill
August 13, 2021
The U.S. Senate passed the bipartisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure package on Tuesday by a 69-30 vote. The measure includes $25 billion in additional airport funding over the next five years. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which returns from its summer recess on August 23. It has also been linked to a $3.2 trillion budget reconciliation package that Democratic leadership is attempting to push through Congress. ACC sent members a comprehensive legislative alert on the details of airport funding and prospects. You can view the details of the
legislative alert here.
FAA's David Borcalli and Manson Wong Named Recipients of the 2021 ACC
Agency Best Practices Awards
August 5, 2021
The Airport
Consultants Council (ACC) is pleased to announce the selection of David
Borcalli, Air Traffic Manager, FAA Lindbergh air traffic control tower, and
Manson Wong, Program Manager/Engineer with the FAA Los Angeles Airports
District Office, for the 2021 ACC Agency Best Practices Award. They have been
recognized for their work and dedication in supporting the San Diego
International Airport (SAN) Airside Airport Development Plan.
The full announcement is
available here.
Agreement Reached in Senate on Infrastructure Bill
July 29, 2012
By a 67-32 vote, the U.S. Senate on Wednesday agreed to move forward with consideration of a bi-partisan infrastructure spending package. Under the agreement, $20 billion is provided in airport funding, including $15 billion ($3 billion/year) in formula funding for airports and $5 billion ($1 billion/year) in discretionary grants for terminal and landside projects. The bill also includes $5 billion for FAA’s Facilities and Equipment program. The Senate will be considering the bill over the coming week.
Read the full article here .
Senate Republicans Block Consideration of Infrastructure Bill
July 22, 2021
Senate Democrats failed to gain the 60 votes needed to move forward with consideration of a bi-partisan $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill. Republicans withheld support until the specific legislative language is released and the pay-fors are identified. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer pulled the bill for possible reconsideration later.
Read the full article here .
July 15, 2021
Congressional Democrats have reached agreement on a budget framework that would provide $3.5 trillion in "social infrastructure" funding, including expanding Medicare, assisting families and fighting climate change. This is separate from the $1.2 trillion bipartisan Senate package that contains contains transportation and other infrastructure spending, including an additional $25 billion for airports. Republican support for the bipartisan infrastructure agreement remains tenuous, however, as some may balk at the Democrats’ attempt to wrap the separate $3.5 trillion into a budget reconciliation process.
Read the article here .
July 8, 2021
Democratic leaders in the Senate are reportedly working on plans to bring up a comprehensive $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill the week of July 19. The plan includes $25 billion in additional airport funding over five years. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is looking to bring up both the infrastructure bill and an FY 2022 budget resolution that contains a separate "social infrastructure" proposal. The infrastructure plan has grown from 10 bipartisan senators to 22 senate supporters. However, prospects are unclear as the agreement could fall apart, particularly if Senate Democrats try to package the social infrastructure proposal with an infrastructure package. ACC’s Advocacy Committee continues to monitor developments.
Read more about the bill here .