The Nevada Aviation Association (NvAA) and its membership encouraged Nevada’s 82nd legislature to appropriate $2 Million for the Nevada Fund for Aviation (Fund). Assemblyman Bert Gurr, representing parts of Elko, Eureka, Lincoln, Nye, and White Pine Counties introduced legislation appropriating money for the Fund. The Fund helps rural counties meet local match requirements for Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants awarded by the Federal Aviation Administration. AIP grants are awarded to airports to maintain and improve airport facilities and infrastructure. The $2 Million in appropriated funds will leverage over $32 Million in FAA AIP grants for local airport projects with funding available July 1, 2023.
The legislation also amended existing law regarding the Air Service Development Commission (ASDC). Changes include moving the ASDC from the Department of Tourism to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). ASDC members are appointed by the Governor and include representatives from the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, a representative from a county with a population of 700,000 or more (currently Clark County), Nevada Association of Counties (NACO), the Nevada League of Cities, Nevada Resort Association, Nevada Aviation Association (NvAA), and a representative from a county with a population of less than 100,000. ASDC will develop a strategic plan for connecting the three economic hubs of the state (Elko, Reno, and Las Vegas) and opportunities to expand commercial air service to support communities and industry.
