FAA Proposes Policy Change to PFC Funding for Airport Rail Projects

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Federal Register Notice seeking public comment on proposed changes in the Passenger Facility Charge program. Currently, passenger facility charge (PFC) funds may support rail projects that are on airport property only if they are for the exclusive use of airport patrons and employees. The proposed change would expand the funding eligibility to include selected additional elements of airport rail projects meeting certain criteria, even if they are not solely for the exclusive use of airport patrons and employees.

Based on the FAA’s experience, the agency believes the current eligibility criteria for PFC funding of rail projects may be too stringent and should be reevaluated because of the changing demographic and population trends. The FAA is trying to strike a balance between the public interest and the PFC requirements for ground access projects.

The proposed policy change may provide greater access to the nation’s airports through intermodal transportation connections.

The 30-day comment period ends on June 2, 2016 and comments may be filed at: http://www.regulations.gov.