State Grants Support Aviation Improvements Across New York State

New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Commissioner Astrid C. Glynn today announced approval for more than $20.4 million in grants for aviation capital projects across New York State. This funding, primarily from the Renew and Rebuild New York Transportation Bond Act of 2005, will support infrastructure, security, and economic-development projects at 48 public-use airports in the state.

“The Transportation Bond Act provided vital funding to support a modern, secure aviation system for passenger and cargo travel in New York State,” said Governor David Paterson.  “Today’s strategic investment in the state’s airports is important not only to keep the tourism industry strong and growing, but also to provide convenient transportation options that entice businesses to stay in or relocate to New York.”

On June 23^rd, the scheduled last day of the legislative session, the Capitol was rocked by the stunning announced resignation of Senator Joseph Bruno as Majority Leader. With work still left to be done to finish the session, the news created confusion in Albany as to who would be the new leader and what impact these events may have on the upcoming elections. Within twenty-four hours of Bruno stepping-down, Senator Dean Skelos (Nassau County, Long Island) was elected by the Republican Conference as the new Majority Leader and Senator Thomas Libous (Binghamton) as Skelos’ top deputy. Senator Libous has been and will continue to be the Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, at least for now. Subsequently on July 15^th, Bruno announced his retirement prior to the end of his term leaving a slim 31-30 seat Republican margin in the Senate

Today, Governor David Patterson announced that the budget deficit for this year has grown to $6.4 billion. He called for an emergency session with legislators on August 19^th to address the financial issues the State is facing at this time.

On the aviation side, a few activities are worth noting:

Join the New York Aviation Management Association October 1-3, 2008 at The Crowne Plaza LaGuardia for the Association's annual fall conference hosted by The Port Authority of NY & NJ. The conference will feature sessions addressing the State Aviation System Plan, Crisis Management, New York City Capacity Enhancement, and Rates and Charges and Minimum Standards. Special guest Dr. Bruce Holmes, Chief Strategist of NextGen systems for DayJet, will speak during the luncheon banquet on Aviation’s Emerging Network.

The conference features an exhibit show providing opportunities for airport managers to network with vendors, consultants and suppliers in the aviation industry. Anyone wishing to reserve a display table must do so by completing the registration form and returning it to NYAMA Headquarters.

NATA President James Coyne is confirmed to join us on October 2, 2008! He will speak on "Reducing Aviation's Carbon Footprint."

You may download the Fall Conference Brochure 2008 or Register Online today!

Special Deal for New Members! Anyone who joins NYAMA as a new member by October 1, 2008 will receive 50% off their registration. (Limit one per organization.) Additionally, the new member will be eligible for the exhibit show display table at the member rate.

Thank you Fall Conference Sponsors!
 

Platinum Sponsor

• The Port Authority of NY & NJ; Luncheon with Keynote Speaker Sponsorship

Gold Sponsor

• Buffalo Niagara International Airport (NFTA); Thursday Exhibitor Reception

Silver Sponsors

• AvPORTS
• C&S Engineers
• Clough Harbour & Associates
• Fritz Kass, Aviation Advocate
• Greater Rochester International Airport
• McFarland-Johnson, Inc.
• Passero Associates
• URS Corporation
  

• Avfuel Corporation
• BridgeNet International
  
• D&K Aviation, Inc.
• Erect-A-Tube
  
• Hi-Lite Markings, Inc.
  
• P.W.Grosser Consulting, Inc.
• R.A. Wiedemann & Associates
• SheltAir Aviation Services
  
• Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
  
• Syracuse Hancock International Airport
  
• The Paradies Shops
  

Other Sponsors

• Albany International Airport
• Ascent Aviation
• NBAA (National Business Aviation Association)

Lawmakers have passed the remaining budget bills, nine days after the April 1 deadline. NYAMA's efforts to beat back an ill-conceived anti-aviation proposal by then-Governor Eliot Spitzer were successful and the "charter plane tax" is NOT part of the final budget.

The New York Aviation Management Association (NYAMA) is a non-profit association of airport management officials with members from related State government agencies, planning boards, consultants and equipment manufacturers. NYAMA was formed in 1976 by representatives of New York State airports. NYAMA remains devoted to promoting airport development and representing the needs of the entire aviation industry.