New bill could mean more funding for Aerotropolis

New bill for Southeast Michigan could bring more funding for Aerotropolis.

Excerpt:

Michigan Representatives Candice S. Miller (R-MI10) and John D. Dingell (D-MI15) applauded the inclusion of language in the Committee report for H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2009, which would potentially allow Detroit Metropolitan Airport to partially fund an innovative project in Southeast Michigan. Included in the bill is language that would create a pilot program that would allow five airports to use Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs) to fund ground access projects, and apply more flexible standards than currently in place for airport revenue funding of these projects, i.e. that these projects are on airport property and are "directly and substantially" related to airport use.

If Detroit Metropolitan Airport applies and is accepted as one of the pilot projects, these funds could be used for an intermodal development that will complement an "aerotropolis" stretching between Detroit Metropolitan Airport and Willow Run Airport. With state of the art facilities at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and critical cargo access to Willow Run Airport, Wayne County is uniquely positioned to support a wide range of industries from business and manufacturing to entertainment and tourism. In fact, both Detroit Metro and Willow Run Airports are surrounded by thousands of acres of undeveloped property. The two Members have suggested that this area would be ideal for new and emerging businesses. An ecomomic impact study by Jones Lang LaSalle found that Detroit Region Aerotropolis has the potential to attract up to 64,000 sorely needed jobs to Southeast Michigan.

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