And the Battle Is Joined

The Bush Administration is requesting $67 billion for 2008 to finance key transportation construction, congestion relief and safety programs. Secretary Mary Peters noted that the budget request provides a framework for reforming the aviation system by tying what users pay to the costs of providing air traffic control and other services. She added that the request also includes $175 million for a 21st Century satellite navigation system to replace older air traffic control equipment and $900 million in additional air traffic control system upgrades. Airline organizations are already reiterating their positions for and against user fees. Now all we need is FAA's -awaited cost structure so they will know exactly how much it costs to serve each type of user.