Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2020

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5912, the Expedited Delivery of Airport Infrastructure Act of 2020.

This bill, which I am very proud to have introduced, gives airports the option to use some of their Airport Improvement Program, or AIP, money to expedite early completion of airport projects.

Incentives such as these are commonly used in the surface transportation area, as encouraging early completion of road projects obviously can spare drivers additional weeks or months of congestion and sitting in traffic.

An airfield is no different. Taking a runway or taxiway out of commission can impair airport efficiency and capacity, and it results in flight delays, upset travelers, you name it.

Additionally, some airports, particularly in cold weather States, are racing against the clock to complete projects during a limited construction season. Even if a project is on schedule, an early winter or late spring can grind construction to a halt, costing the airport time and money.

This bill is going help ensure that airports have the tools necessary to avoid these situations and get runways back into service faster.

This bill allows airports to achieve cost savings. Projects completed early means a greater chance of avoiding construction price increases due to inflation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5912, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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