FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Backlog and Firefighting Foam Transition

FAA Air Traffic Control Tower Backlog

• 🎯 Senator Gary Peters questioned Franklin McIntosh, FAA Deputy COO, about the cost to resolve the air traffic control tower backlog.
• ❓ McIntosh stated he did not have the funding estimate readily available but offered to follow up with Senator Peters' staff.
• ⚠️ Aging air traffic control towers are complicating the job of air traffic controllers.

Essential Air Service Program

• ✈️ Senator Peters highlighted the importance of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program for rural Michigan airports, noting a proposed $38 million cut.
• 🚫 He expressed concern that this cut could remove air service from hundreds of rural communities.

Aviation Workforce Development

• 🧑‍✈️ Peters emphasized the need to implement key workforce provisions, such as the Promoting Women in Aviation Act and the expansion of the FAA workforce development grant program, to address aviation workforce shortages.

Transition to PFAS-Free Firefighting Foams

• 🧯 Senator Peters advocated for the FAA's transition away from toxic PFAS-containing firefighting foams.
• 📜 The FAA reauthorization act includes a provision championed by Peters to ensure a quick transition to new non-PFAS firefighting foam, with financial resources for airports.
• 💰 The FAA has developed a transition plan and guidance, but requires special appropriation to award grants for costs like cleaning equipment, disposing of PFAS foams, and acquiring non-PFAS foams.