Baton Rouge Reporter

U.S. Congressman Garret Graves of South Louisiana announced that H.R. 3935, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, is set to be signed into law by the president. Graves, who serves as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, oversaw the bill's creation.

"This is a big win for Louisiana, airplane passengers and the future of our country’s aerospace system," said Congressman Graves. "The FAA Reauthorization Act supports every single airport in Louisiana – from passenger travel hubs like Baton Rouge and New Orleans to smaller airports that are industrial centers of our communities, like Houma-Terrebonne and Iberia. Our bill brings fundamental solutions to the table – not for yesterday, but for tomorrow. I’m proud of these accomplishments that support economic growth in Louisiana and will allow United States to remain the leader in the skies, well into the future."

Graves added, "No one likes getting stuck at an airport or finding out your flight is delayed after arriving to board your flight. This bill helps to put new technology in place and better staffing to better communicate with the flying public. This ensures the safety and efficiency of our airspace system while encouraging innovation in industry. This is the most significant legislative step forward for aviation in modern American history, and it is a testament to our commitment to the United States being the global leader in aerospace."

The legislation includes significant provisions benefitting Louisiana:

- An additional $24.9 million in Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funding for Louisiana’s airports, enhancing aviation infrastructure across the state.

- A pathway for a new Livingston Municipal Airport with access to NPIAS funding.

- Deployment of innovative technology to support offshore development in the Gulf of Mexico and land-based infrastructure inspections.

- Expanded funding for the Aviation Workforce Development (AWD) Grant program aimed at supporting education for future aviation professionals. Since FY22, Louisiana has received $1,476,643 in AWD funding specifically for workforce development initiatives.

The bill also focuses on improving key components of the national airspace system:

- Reorganizing and streamlining FAA processes by breaking down silos that prevent utilizing internal expertise.

- Moving new entrants like drones and Advanced Air Mobility platforms from research phases to scalable businesses.

- Building on environmental streamlining reforms established by the Fiscal Responsibility Act.

- Ensuring fair treatment for passengers and timely arrivals by fully staffing Air Traffic Controllers with modernized equipment.