The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) today applauded the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for approving the Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act (S.4246) in the Senate.

“It is critical to have federal, state, local, tribal, and other transportation stakeholders working together on this issue,” said AASHTO Executive Director Jim Tymon. “We need to ensure the safe integration of this new technology into our transportation network, and we would like to congratulate the Senate Commerce Committee and the legislation sponsors for their bi-partisan work to plan for this exciting new era in transportation. With the recent House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passage of companion legislation, our states look forward to this important bill being signed into law.”

“State aviation leaders appreciate this initiative by Senators Padilla and Moran to provide much needed support to state, local and tribal governments as they plan for these emerging aeronautical technologies” said Greg Pecoraro, NASAO President and CEO. “We are glad that Congress recognizes these resources are critical in assuring that the public interest is met in their safe and accessible integration into the National Aviation System.”

The Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization (AAIM) Act, introduced by Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Jerry Moran (R-KS), authorizes a $25 million grant program for state, local, tribal governments, transit agencies, port authorities, and metropolitan planning organizations to plan the infrastructure needed to support advanced air mobility (AAM) operations. The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee recently approved its version of the AAIM Act (H.R. 6270), which was introduced by Representatives Rick Larsen (D-WA-2), Garret Graves (R-LA-6), and Dina Titus (D-NV-1). AASHTO and NASAO are key supporters of the bill.