Authority: Title 5.1, Chapters 1, 3, and 5; Title 58.1, Chapter 6, Code of Virginia.
A. It is the intent of the General Assembly that the Department of Aviation match federal funds for Airport Assistance to the maximum extent possible. In furtherance of this maximization, the Commonwealth Transportation Board may request funding from the Commonwealth Airport Fund for surface transportation projects that provide airport access. The Aviation Board shall consider such requests and provide funding as it so approves. However, the legislative intent expressed herein shall not be construed to prohibit the Virginia Aviation Board from allocating funds for promotional activities in the event that federal matching funds are unavailable.
B. The department is authorized to expend up to $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the second year from Aviation Special Funds to support a partnership between industry, academia, and Virginia Small Aircraft Transportation System. The project shall target research efforts to promote safety and greater access for rural airports.
C. The department is authorized to pay to the Civil Air Patrol $100,000 the first year and $100,000 the second year from Aviation Special Funds. The provisions of § 2.2-1505, Code of Virginia, and § 4-5.05 of this act shall not apply to the Civil Air Patrol.
D. Out of the amounts included in this Item, $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year shall be paid to the Washington Airports Task Force.
E.1. By November 1 of each year, the Virginia Aviation Board shall report to the Governor and the General Assembly on the use of Commercial Airport Fund revenues allocated the previous fiscal year. The report shall include at a minimum the following: (i) the use of entitlement funds allocated by each air carrier airport, including the amount of funds that are unobligated; (ii) the award and use of discretionary funds allocated for air carrier and reliever airports by every such airport; and (iii) the award and use of discretionary funds allocated for general aviation airports by every such airport. Such report shall also include the status of ongoing projects funded in whole or in part by the Commonwealth Airport Fund pursuant to subdivision A 3 of § 58.1-638.
2. The Board shall have the right to withhold entitlement funds allocated pursuant to subdivision A 3 a of § 58.1-638 in the event that the entitlement utilization plan is not approved by the Board or the airport uses the funds in a manner that is inconsistent with the approved plan.
F. It is the intent of the General Assembly that state moneys allocated pursuant to § 33.2-1526.6 shall not be used for (i) operating costs unless otherwise approved by the Virginia Aviation Board, or (ii) purposes related to supporting the operation of an airline, either directly or indirectly, through grants, credit enhancements, or other related means.
G. Notwithstanding the provisions of § 33.2-1526.6.B.1, Code of Virginia, during fiscal year 2021 and fiscal year 2022, the Virginia Aviation Board may increase the funds to any airport identified in subsection B of § 33.2-1526.6 by no more than 20 percent, based on demonstrated need provided by the airport requesting additional funds. The Department of Aviation shall adopt guidelines setting out criteria for eligibility for additional funding.