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Lawmakers back aviation budget but warn $8 million for airport improvements may be inadequate

3342481 ยท May 16, 2025

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Summary

The committee advanced the Department of Aviation's budget, including $8 million phased in for airport improvement projects, while several members said the amount is insufficient to address resiliency needs at small state-owned airports.

The Joint Committee on Ways and Means advanced Senate Bill 5,504, the Department of Aviation budget, on May 16, approving a 2025-27 budget recommendation that phases in $8 million for airport improvement projects supported by FAA grants and aircraft-registration revenue.

Representative Combert, carrying the bill, summarized the agency's role in managing 28 state-owned airports and said the subcommittee recommended a total funds budget of $38,963,600 and 15 positions, a 26.1% increase over current service levels. The subcommittee said the budget phases in $8 million for airport improvement projects under the general aviation entitlement program and includes $70,460 to replace an outdated aircraft registration and airport-leasing system.

Several lawmakers urged larger investments for small-airport resiliency. Representative Evans said drones and automation increase pressure on aviation infrastructure and staffing, adding that he hopes future sessions will "start thinking about how the state is gonna be integrating some of what had been traditionally federal responsibilities." Senator Druck said she would vote yes but warned she was "not sure it's enough," urging stronger attention to small-airport resiliency. Senator Brock Smith and other members expressed support for the agency's work but echoed concerns that the funding may be inadequate for some district airports.

The Transportation Economic Development Subcommittee recommended SB 5,504 be amended by the dash-1 amendment and reported out due pass as amended. The committee recorded that the motion passed and closed the work session on the bill.