Senate Commerce Committee Passes Legislation Authorizing Cantwell's Aviation Research Center Proposal
UW Aviation Research Center would Focus on Using Advanced Materials in Next-Generation Aircraft Design
WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee today passed Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) proposal to establish a new Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Center of Excellence to focus on research to encourage the broader use of advanced structural materials, including both composites and new aluminum alloys, in future aircraft such as the Boeing 7E7. Cantwell’s proposal was included in the FAA Reauthorization bill.
"We are now a step closer to building a research center that will strengthen Washington state’s standing as the international leader in advanced manufacturing, not just for aviation but for a broad array of industries," Cantwell said. "We need to keep jobs in Washington state, and to do that we need a world-class research and development infrastructure."
Cantwell worked with the University of Washington and the Boeing Company to draft the legislation. The University of Washington is currently partnered with Washington State University, Oregon State University and Edmonds Community College in the effort to bring the FAA Center of Excellence to Washington state.
FAA Reauthorization Bill is the principal legislation guiding U.S. aviation policy; it expands, improves, updates and secures our nation’s air transportation system.
· Cantwell’s amendments to the FAA reauthorization bill:
o Fuel cells: Cantwell introduced an amendment that would replace airport standby power systems with more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly new technologies like fuel cells – following a model using Avista fuel cells at McChord Air Force Base. The amendment passed by voice vote.
o Washington National Airport Slots: Cantwell joined Senator John Ensign (R-NV) in introducing an amendment that will double the West Coast slots to National Airport from six to twelve. This is a major victory for West Coast passengers to the Washington, DC area. Airlines like Alaska Air that have previously benefited from opportunities for direct flights between Washington state and National Airport. The amendment passed by a twelve-eleven margin.
o War Risk Insurance: Cantwell joined Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) in introducing legislative language that will extend FAA war risk insurance currently offered to airlines to aircraft manufacturers. The language would provide an important source of assistance for the ailing manufacturers. The amendment passed by voice vote.
The FAA Reauthorization bill:
· Increases Airport Infrastructure Investment and Expanded Capacity:
o Provides $10.5 billion over the next three years for the Airline Improvement Program (AIP), which is the principal federal funding stream supporting improved capacity and safety at airports – both large and small – across the country.
· Increases Funding to Upgrade the FAA Air Traffic Control System
o Provides $8.9 billion for the Airways Facilities Improvement Program, which is the fund used for facility improvements, equipment development and procurement.
· Provides Increased Research Funding and Expanded Priorities
o Authorizes almost $3 billion over the next three years for FAA and NASA research priorities. A dramatic expansion of the research agenda. o Cantwell’s Center for Excellence for Advanced Materials was included in this section.
· Establishes a new fund in Department of Transportation to cover costs of security
o Appropriates $500 million annually to cover costs of air marshals, screeners, training and security-related research and development; funds also to be used to defray capital investment in transportation security at airport facilities.
o This capital fund helps address concerns that AIP moneys have been increasingly diverted to cover the cost of security.
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