Reps. Thompson and DeFazio Introduce Bill to Help Del Norte County Airport Receive Federal Funding
January 4, 2007
Today, Congressmen Mike Thompson (D-CA) and Peter DeFazio (D-OR) introduced legislation that would enable Del Norte County to receive the federal funds needed to improve the Del Norte County Airport without raising matching funds. The legislation follows up on a commitment made by Thompson and DeFazio at meetings held in Crescent City and Brookings, Oregon last fall, to help with improvements to the regional airport. Local officials have long expressed their concern that they are not being able to meet the 10 percent match requirement for federal grant funds. The Del Norte County Airport is a regional facility used by residents of Del Norte and Curry Counties.
“This bill makes sure that counties like Del Norte aren't disadvantaged by their size or economic factors when trying to improve the airports their citizens rely on,” said Thompson. “Rural areas like the North Coast can't be expected to raise the type of funds that cities like San Francisco or LA can, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get the assistance for improving their airports. Our legislation will make sure Del Norte County Airport gets the funding it needs to build a new terminal and make runway improvements.”
"Access to air service is essential in rural areas to connect individuals and to allow for economic development," DeFazio said. "I am pleased to support this legislation, which will help the Del Norte County Airport overcome the current barriers to federal funding and improve air service for residents of Del Norte and Curry Counties."
Specifically, the bill waives the federal grant matching requirements for rural municipalities with certain economic factors, such as per capita income and unemployment rate. These municipalities can qualify for airport improvements funds without matching 10 percent of the grant amount. Thompson and DeFazio wrote this legislation because it is often extremely difficult for counties like Del Norte to raise the matching funds, which bars them from receiving the much-needed transportation grants.
"Improvements at Del Norte County Airport is the county's top priority,” said Del Norte County Supervisor Dave Finigan. “It is great to see that on the first day of the new session, it is also Congressman Thompson's top priority."
"This legislation puts Del Norte County on the right path,” said Del Norte County Supervisor Martha McClure. “It will not only save the county money, but it will, more importantly, save us time - we'll be able to begin the project without having to delay to raise the funds. It will be miraculous!"
“This bill makes sure that counties like Del Norte aren't disadvantaged by their size or economic factors when trying to improve the airports their citizens rely on,” said Thompson. “Rural areas like the North Coast can't be expected to raise the type of funds that cities like San Francisco or LA can, but that doesn't mean they shouldn't get the assistance for improving their airports. Our legislation will make sure Del Norte County Airport gets the funding it needs to build a new terminal and make runway improvements.”
"Access to air service is essential in rural areas to connect individuals and to allow for economic development," DeFazio said. "I am pleased to support this legislation, which will help the Del Norte County Airport overcome the current barriers to federal funding and improve air service for residents of Del Norte and Curry Counties."
Specifically, the bill waives the federal grant matching requirements for rural municipalities with certain economic factors, such as per capita income and unemployment rate. These municipalities can qualify for airport improvements funds without matching 10 percent of the grant amount. Thompson and DeFazio wrote this legislation because it is often extremely difficult for counties like Del Norte to raise the matching funds, which bars them from receiving the much-needed transportation grants.
"Improvements at Del Norte County Airport is the county's top priority,” said Del Norte County Supervisor Dave Finigan. “It is great to see that on the first day of the new session, it is also Congressman Thompson's top priority."
"This legislation puts Del Norte County on the right path,” said Del Norte County Supervisor Martha McClure. “It will not only save the county money, but it will, more importantly, save us time - we'll be able to begin the project without having to delay to raise the funds. It will be miraculous!"
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