FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	Contact: Ric Andersen
Tuesday, March 13,, 2000	202-225-4155

Terry Announces $7,522,135 in Federal Funding for State

WASHINGTON - Today Cong. Lee Terry (R-Neb.) released a new analysis showing that Nebraska airports would receive over $7.5 million in additional federal funding under the $40 billion Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century (AIR-21). The House of Representatives will consider AIR-21 this week.

"This important legislation will help rebuild America's aviation infrastructure and will mean greater passenger safety and fewer flight delays for Nebraska travelers," said Congressman Terry. "For instance, Eppley's construction funding has been held hostage for too long. As air traffic continues to grow at Eppley and other airports, AIR-21 will make the needed investments to keep our skies safe."

According to Congressman Terry's analysis, the AIR-21 legislation would provide $40 billion over the next three years for aviation investment programs. $33 billion of this is from the Aviation Trust Fund.

"Since 1970, the flying public and the aviation community have been investing in the aviation trust fund with the understanding that the money would be returned in the form of aviation improvements," said Congressman Terry. "This has not been the case. Congress has not kept its promise.

"For years, users of our aviation infrastructure have been paying these fees and taxes, only to watch them disappear into the general fund. But AIR-21 will keep our budget honest. We reinforce the Aviation Trust Fund, by ensuring that the money paid into the fund will be paid out on Aviation. It keeps the promises we made to both the flying public and the aviation community. There is no doubt that Nebraska airports and passengers will benefit greatly from these added investments in air travel."

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