HARRISBURG- A Pennsylvania State Senator wants to create a more stable way to fund infrastructure and improvements at Commonwealth airports, but it could cost a good bit of money.
State Senator Dan Laughlin has introduced Senate Bill 1365, the Pennsylvania AIR Act, aimed at modernizing aviation funding and providing long-term support for airports across the commonwealth.
The bill creates a dedicated Aviation Trust Fund that would provide stable, predictable funding for airport improvements, workforce development, air service expansion and emerging aviation technologies.
Funding for the trust fund includes:
A portion of state sales and use tax revenue
Increased aviation fuel taxes (1.5¢ → 24¢ per gallon) and jet fuel taxes (1.1¢ → 8¢ per gallon)
Taxes on emerging aviation fuels, including hydrogen and electricity used for aircraft propulsion
Updated aircraft registration fees
Modernized licensing and inspection fees for certain aviation facilities
Federal aviation funding and related revenues
The legislation expands support for airport development projects, public airport property tax reimbursement, workforce training and aviation-related economic development initiatives.
Laughlin said the goal is to ensure Pennsylvania’s airports remain competitive and well-supported.
“Airports are economic engines for communities across Pennsylvania,” Laughlin said. “This legislation is about making sure they have the resources needed to grow, compete and serve the public for generations to come.”
The legislation has been introduced in the Senate and awaits consideration in the Transportation Committee.