LEXIS-NEXIS® Congressional Universe-Document

LEXIS-NEXIS® Congressional

JUNE 9, 1999, WEDNESDAY

SECTION: IN THE NEWS

LENGTH: 852 words

HEADLINE: PREPARED TESTIMONY OF
MR. STEVE JONES
ON BEHALF OF THE WEST MEMPHIS, ARKANSAS AIRPORT COMMISSION
BEFORE THE HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
SUBCOMMITTEE ON AVIATION

BODY:

Good morning. My name is Steve Jones, Chairman of the West Memphis Municipal Airport Commission in West Memphis, Arkansas. I have been a member of the West Memphis Airport Commission for 12 years and a pilot for 29 years. Because I have also been a business owner in West Memphis for the past 27 years, I understand the economic impact our general aviation airport has on our community.
Subcommittee Chairman Duncan, Ranking Member Lipinski and members of the Aviation Subcommittee, thank you for this opportunity to express our wholehearted support of Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Bud Shuster's legislation.
H.R. 111's provision to take Airport Trust Funds off budget, as well as H.R. 1000's proposed increase in AIP funding levels over the next 5 years is critical to the very existence of general aviation airports. These revenues are desperately needed to fund airport improvements and maintain existing facilities. Let me first address some national statistics provided by Phil Boyer, President of AOPA (Airport Operators and Pilots Association) and then I will discuss specific issues affecting West Memphis Municipal Airport.
- There are 3 times more general aviation flights than commercial flights.
- In the United States there are 400 scheduled air service airports and 5,000 general aviation airports.
However, primarily due to a lack of funding, general aviation airports are closing at an alarming rate of 1 per week (1996 statistics) while general aviation is steadily increasing.
The continued loss of general aviation airports is 1) creating a shortage of commercial pilots; 2) forcing more business jets and smaller aircraft to use major airports -- which causes increased traffic, greater delays and safety concerns, and 3) has resulted in fewer economic development opportunities. General aviation airports are critical to the recruitment, retention, and growth of local businesses and industries as we are all now competing in a global marketplace.
Now that we have discussed national statistics, let's visit specifically on issues at West Memphis Municipal Airport that will be positively affected by AIR 21.
West Memphis' airport opened in 1964. We are a designated reliever to Memphis International Airport, and have 93 base customers (with a waiting list of 50 additional aircraft -- which would be based in West Memphis today if we had additional hangar space). We have a 6,0003' runway, with full parallel taxiway, 56,000 square yards of aircraft apron, 112,000 square feet of hangar space, and 11 buildings on 430 acres.
AIR 21 's comprehensive 5-year authorization for more money for runways and equipment will enhance safety and economic growth of our community. The following are just a few examples of the current needs of the West Memphis Municipal Airport, needs that could be addressed by AIR-21:
- Ten years ago, a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) team selected a site at West Memphis Municipal Airport for an automated, on-field weather reporting system. Lack of funding has prevented the equipment from being purchased and installed. Weather, which can change rapidly, is a key issue in safe landings. From a safety standpoint, funding for this equipment, its installation and maintenance are imperative. Currently, pilots flying into our airport obtain weather reporting from Memphis International which is approximately 12 aerial miles from West Memphis. With the Mississippi River between us, our weather conditions can vary significantly from Memphis. - Entitlement programs specifically for general aviation airports will enable us to reconstruct our apron and connecting taxiways that are in disrepair. Over the past several years we have been reconstructing our apron in phases. Last year, 14,500 square yards (approximately 1/4 of our apron) was reconstructed at a cost of $617,529. Runway, taxiway, and apron repair are costly, ongoing maintenance expenses.- Another provision in the act increases FAA Facilities & Equipment's budget by 50%. Maintenance is equally as important as building improvements and installing equipment. One of the M.A.L.S.R. stations (a pole supporting one of the approach light systems that aids aircraft in landing) is dangerously close to dropping into a 35' drainage bayou. Over a year ago, the West Memphis Airport Commission spent $28,000 in an attempt to stabilize the bank. While it has slowed the soil erosion, significantly more money than we have available is needed to drive pilings and install more rip-rap. FAA F&E has assessed the problem, given it high priority, but has no funding at this time to prevent a potentially disastrous situation.
Our general aviation airport's problems are typical of the other 92 Arkansas airports. Our state Department of Aeronautics and FAA representatives are invaluable resources. However, lack of funding often ties their hands. I urge you to support this legislation that will safely bring aviation into the 21 st century. Thank you for allowing me the great privilege to share with you our concerns and support of AIR 21.
END

LOAD-DATE: June 15, 1999