Advanced Aviation Infrastructure Modernization Act or the AAIM Act
This bill establishes a pilot grant program to support advanced air mobility (AAM) infrastructure. AAM infrastructure refers to an air transportation system that transports individuals and property between points in the United States in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace using certain aircraft, including remotely piloted, autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) must award planning grants for AAM infrastructure to (1) state, local, or tribal governments; (2) airport sponsors; (3) transit agencies; (4) port authorities; (5) metropolitan planning organizations; or (6) consortia of such entities. Entities that receive these grants must develop a comprehensive plan for AAM infrastructure, including vertiports (sites that support the landing, takeoff, loading, and other operations of vertical take-off and landing aircraft). Topics covered in the plan must address matters such as identifying locations for AAM infrastructure and available sources of funding. DOT must brief Congress about the plans it receives. The briefing must include an evaluation of the planned or proposed locations for vertiports and a description of best practices or lessons learned through the review of comprehensive plans.
If the Federal Aviation Administration issues type certificates for at least two aircraft models designed to provide AAM transportation and other requirements are met, DOT may award construction grants to entities that submitted comprehensive plans. Recipients may use grant funds for design, environmental studies, and other capital costs related to the construction of a public-use vertiport or associated infrastructure.
Grants may not be awarded after September 30, 2023.
[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 6270 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. R. 6270
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program
to provide grants related to advanced air mobility infrastructure, and
for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
December 14, 2021
Mr. Larsen of Washington (for himself, Mr. Graves of Louisiana, and Ms.
Titus) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the
Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To direct the Secretary of Transportation to establish a pilot program
to provide grants related to advanced air mobility infrastructure, and
for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Advanced Aviation Infrastructure
Modernization Act'' or the ``AAIM Act''.
SEC. 2. ADVANCED AIR MOBILITY INFRASTRUCTURE PILOT PROGRAM.
(a) Establishment.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall establish a pilot program to
provide grants that--
(1) assist an eligible entity to plan for the development
and deployment of infrastructure necessary to facilitate AAM
operations in the United States; and
(2) make funding available for costs directly related to
construction of public-use vertiports or associated
infrastructure.
(b) Planning Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary shall provide grants to
eligible entities to develop comprehensive plans under
paragraph (2) related to AAM infrastructure.
(2) Comprehensive plan.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 1 year after
receiving a grant under this subsection, an eligible
entity shall submit to the Secretary a comprehensive
plan in a format that may be published on the website
of the Department of Transportation.
(B) Plan contents.--The Secretary shall establish
content requirements for comprehensive plans submitted
under this subsection, which may include the following:
(i) The identification of planned or
potential public-use or private-use vertiport
locations.
(ii) A description of infrastructure
necessary to support AAM operations.
(iii) A description of types of planned or
potential AAM operations.
(iv) The identification of physical and
digital infrastructure required to meet the
standards for vertiport design and performance
characteristics established by the Federal
Aviation Administration (as in effect on the
date on which the Secretary issues a grant to
an eligible entity), including modifications to
existing infrastructure and ground sensors,
electric charging and other fueling
requirements, electric utility requirements,
wireless and cybersecurity requirements, and
other necessary hardware or software.
(v) A description of potential
environmental effects of planned construction
or siting of public-use vertiports, including
efforts to reduce the adverse effects of
potential aviation noise.
(vi) A description of how planned public-
use or private-use vertiport locations,
including new or repurposed infrastructure, fit
into existing State and local transportation
systems and networks, including--
(I) connectivity to existing public
transportation hubs and intermodal and
multimodal facilities; and
(II) opportunities to create new
service to areas underserved by air
transportation, without compromising
safety and efficiency of other
facilities and airspace users.
(vii) A description of how public-use
vertiport planning will be incorporated in
State or metropolitan planning documents.
(viii) The identification of the process an
eligible entity will undertake to ensure an
adequate level of community engagement for
planned public-use vertiport locations and
planned or anticipated AAM operations,
including engagement with underserved
communities, individuals with disabilities, and
racial and ethnic minorities, to address equity
of access and other priorities.
(ix) The identification of the actions
necessary for an eligible entity to undertake
the construction of public-use vertiports, such
as planning studies to assess existing
infrastructure, environmental studies, studies
of projected economic benefit to the community,
lease or acquisition of an easement or land for
new infrastructure, and activities related to
other capital costs.
(x) The identification of State, local, or
private sources of funding an eligible entity
may use to assist with the construction or
operation of a public-use vertiport.
(3) Application.--To apply for a grant under this
subsection, an eligible entity shall provide to the Secretary
an application in such form, at such time, and containing such
information as the Secretary may require.
(4) Selection.--
(A) In general.--In awarding grants under this
subsection, the Secretary shall consider the following:
(i) Geographic diversity.
(ii) The need for comprehensive plans
that--
(I) facilitate the safe integration
of AAM operations into the National
Airspace System;
(II) improve transportation safety,
connectivity, access, and equity in
both rural and urban regions in the
United States;
(III) leverage existing public
transportation systems and intermodal
and multimodal facilities;
(IV) reduce surface congestion and
the environmental impacts of
transportation;
(V) grow the economy and create
jobs in the United States; and
(VI) encourage community engagement
when planning for AAM related
infrastructure.
(B) Priority.--The Secretary shall prioritize
awarding grants under this subsection to eligible
entities that partner with commercial AAM entities,
institutions of higher education, research
institutions, or other relevant stakeholders to develop
and prepare a comprehensive plan.
(5) Grant amount.--Each grant made under this subsection
shall be made in an amount that is not more than $1,000,000.
(6) Briefing.--
(A) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the
first comprehensive plan is submitted under paragraph
(2), and every 180 days thereafter, the Secretary shall
provide a briefing to the appropriate committees of
Congress on the comprehensive plans submitted to the
Secretary under such paragraph.
(B) Contents.--The briefing required under
subparagraph (A) shall include--
(i) an evaluation of all planned or
proposed public-use vertiport locations
included in the comprehensive plans submitted
under paragraph (2) and how such planned or
proposed public-use vertiport locations may fit
into the overall United States transportation
system and network; and
(ii) a description of lessons or best
practices learned through the review of
comprehensive plans and how the Secretary will
incorporate any such lessons or best practices
into Federal standards or guidance for the
design and operation of AAM infrastructure and
facilities.
(c) Construction Grants.--
(1) In general.--The Secretary may award grants to covered
recipients to carry out construction activities described under
paragraph (2).
(2) Eligible uses.--A covered recipient may use grant funds
awarded under this subsection for design, bidding, and
environmental study activities, and other capital costs, as the
Secretary determines appropriate, directly related to the
construction of a public-use vertiport or associated
infrastructure pursuant to the comprehensive plan submitted by
such covered recipient.
(3) Requirements.--The requirements of subsections (b) and
(c) of section 47112 of title 49, United States Code, and
subsections (a) and (b) of section 50101 of such title, shall
apply to a grant awarded under this subsection.
(4) Limitation.--The Secretary may not award a grant under
this subsection--
(A) for the acquisition, conversion, or
retrofitting of AAM aircraft; or
(B) for the construction of private-use vertiports
or associated infrastructure.
(5) Grant timing.--The Secretary may not issue a grant
under this subsection until--
(A) the Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration has--
(i) certified 2 or more models of aircraft
designed to provide AAM transportation under
part 23, 25, 27, or 29 of title 14, Code of
Federal Regulations; and
(ii) published an advisory circular
containing appropriate standards for vertiport
design and performance characteristics; and
(B) the Secretary has--
(i) determined that 2 or more AAM operators
hold certificates under part 119 of title 14,
Code of Federal Regulations, for such operators
to perform air carrier operations covered under
part 135 of such title; and
(ii) issued, to 2 or more air carriers
formed to provide AAM transportation,
certificates under chapter 411 of title 49,
United States Code.
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) Authorization.--There are authorized to be appropriated
to the Secretary to carry out this section $12,500,000 for each
of fiscal years 2022 and 2023, to remain available until
expended.
(2) Administrative expenses.--Of the amounts made available
under paragraph (1), the Secretary may retain up to 1 percent
for personnel, contracting, and other costs to establish and
administer the pilot program under this section.
(e) Termination.--
(1) In general.--No grant may be awarded under this section
after September 30, 2023.
(2) Continued funding.--Funds authorized to be appropriated
pursuant to subsection (d) may be expended after September 30,
2023--
(A) for grants awarded prior to September 30, 2023;
and
(B) for administrative expenses.
(f) Definitions.--In this Act:
(1) Advanced air mobility; aam.--The terms ``advanced air
mobility'' and ``AAM'' mean an air transportation system that
transports individuals and property between points in the
United States using aircraft, such as remotely piloted,
autonomous, or vertical take-off and landing aircraft,
including those powered by electric or hybrid driven
propulsion, in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.
(2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term
``appropriate committees of Congress'' means the Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate.
(3) Commercial aam entities.--The term ``commercial AAM
entities'' means--
(A) manufacturers of aircraft, avionics, propulsion
systems, and air traffic management systems related to
AAM; and
(B) intended commercial operators of AAM aircraft
and systems.
(4) Covered recipient.--The term ``covered recipient''
means the recipient of a grant under subsection (b) who has
submitted a comprehensive plan--
(A) that has been reviewed by the Secretary
pursuant to subsection (b); and
(B) that the Secretary has determined contains
proposed projects that comply with the standards for
vertiport design and performance characteristics
described in a published advisory circular.
(5) Eligible entity.--The term ``eligible entity'' means--
(A) a State, local, or Tribal government, including
a political subdivision thereof;
(B) an airport sponsor;
(C) a transit agency;
(D) a port authority;
(E) a metropolitan planning organization; or
(F) any combination or consortium of the entities
described in subparagraphs (A) through (E).
(6) Metropolitan planning organization.--The term
``metropolitan planning organization'' has the meaning given
such term in section 5303(b) of title 49, United States Code.
(7) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary
of Transportation.
(8) Public-use vertiport.--The term ``public-use
vertiport'' means a designated location used or intended to be
used for public purposes and to support AAM operations,
including the landing, takeoff, loading, taxiing, parking, and
storage of vertical take-off and landing aircraft.
(9) State.--The term ``State'' means a State of the United
States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin
Islands, American Samoa, the Northern Mariana Islands, and
Guam.
(10) Vertical take-off and landing aircraft.--The term
``vertical take-off and landing aircraft'' means an aircraft
with lift/thrust units used to generate powered lift and
control and with 2 or more lift/thrust units used to provide
lift during vertical take-off or landing.
SEC. 3. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
Nothing in this Act may be construed as conferring upon any person,
State, local, or Tribal government the authority to determine the
safety of any AAM operation or the feasibility of simultaneous
operations by AAM and conventional aircraft within any given area of
the National Airspace System.
<all>
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Aviation.
Subcommittee on Aviation Discharged.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 55 - 2.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 117-362.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. H. Rept. 117-362.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 274.
Mr. DeFazio moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5452-5454)
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DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6270.
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H5468-5469)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 338 - 73 (Roll no. 257).(text: CR H5452-5453)
Roll Call #257 (House)On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 338 - 73 (Roll no. 257). (text: CR H5452-5453)
Roll Call #257 (House)Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Received in the Senate.