The grant the airport received

is an Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grant funded through the Airport

and Airway Trust Fund. This fund was established to finance infrastructure

and safety improvements at airports and to offset compliance costs with

federal airport regulations. The trust fund receives revenues from aviation

user taxes on airline fares, airfreight, and aviation fuel. This is not

an income tax, but a consumer tax. Aviation users fund the trust fund

and the money can only be spent on improving the country's airports and

airways.

Falcon Field has routinely

received AIP grants along with many of the 103 public airports in Georgia.

In order to receive a grant, airports must demonstrate a need for the

project, compliance with environmental regulations, and be ready to implement

the project in a timely manner.

There are always more requests

for AIP funds than the funds available. The Federal Aviation Administration

determines the highest priority projects. The most recent grant received

and closely monitored by the FAA. The most recent grant is for acquiring

land adjacent to the airport to accommodate the future aviation needs

of the community.

Congressman Mac Collins is

an enthusiastic supporter of aviation in Georgia and nationwide. I'm sure

he was pleased to announce the recent AIP grant for Falcon Field as he

appreciates what a quality airport can do for a community and the national

air transportation system.

I'm dismayed that he was portrayed

as participating in "pork barrel politics" as a result of our

grant. In Mr. Fielder's letter, he encouraged your readers to contact

Rep. Collins (U. S. House of Representatives, Washington, D.C. 20515;

202-225-3121). I also encourage you to contact Rep. Collins to let him

know how much we all appreciate the fine job he is doing in representing

our community.

I appreciate Mr. Fielder's

concern for inappropriate uses of our tax dollars. In [this] case, the

allocation of funds is appropriate and very important to the future of

the airport and community.

If anyone has any questions

or comments about our grant or the airport, please call the airport manager,

Mr. Jim Savage, at 770-487-2225.

Cathy Nelmes, Chairman

Peachtree City Airport Authority