U.S. Chamber Calls for Relief for Nation's Congested Airports and Runways

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce today urged lawmakers to streamline the airport construction approval process andexpedite Air Traffic Control system modernization to address the nation's aviation infrastructure crisis.

"The aviation network is a crucial component of our nation's criticalinfrastructure," said Gerald Roper, president and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, on behalf of the U.S. Chamber. "Today, thatinfrastructure which is so critical to our global prosperity, competitiveness and security, is strained and ready to snap. "

The number of passengers on U.S. airlines has increased by more than 25% in the last five years and is expected to reach one billion by 2010 annually, according to the Chamber. In addition, cargo carriers have nearly doubled their annual freight loads since 1989. However, aviation capacity has not kept pace with this substantial growth. As a result, the skies are congested, airports are overcrowded, and the air traffic control system is outdated. Flight delays have not only become an inconvenience, but a major economic drain as well – costing the airline industry, travelers and shippers and estimated $6.5 billion last year alone.

Runway development and construction could help to ease some of the burden. Yet local environmental and anti-growth groups are using the current duplicative and complicated approval process to stifle needed airport expansion projects.

"These groups fail to see the big picture," said Roper. "They believe they're protecting their communities from additional noise and traffic, but essentially, they're only adding more congestion and gridlock to the entire system."

The Chamber supports environmentally responsible airport development that is sensitive to surrounding communities. Streamlining the approval process for capacity enhancement projects would lead to more efficient and safer airports quicker, and also spark local job growth. Additionally, prioritizing such projects would ensure airports most in need would get runways and equipment sooner.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses of every size, sector or and region.

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