WASHINGTON - The FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, which cleared the Senate Thursday, includes a provision introduced by Sens. Jeff Bingaman and Tom Udall, both D-N.M., that authorizes a land exchange between Doña Ana County Airport and a private land owner. The land is needed to allow the airport to build a new road.

The bill also continues funding for a number of programs Bingaman said are important to New Mexico and the nation, including the Airport Improvement Program, which provides grants for construction of runways and taxiways that help make airports safer.

"The aviation industry, both commercial and private general aviation, is vital to promoting economic growth and development in our state," Bingaman said. "Last year, New Mexico's airports received over $31 million for airport improvement projects to upgrade facilities for both general aviation and commercial passenger service all across the state."


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