Torres Amendments to Fund Airport Improvements, Reduce Airport Noise Pass on House Floor
WASHINGTON, DC – Rep. Norma J. Torres (D-Pomona), member of the powerful Rules Committee which helps determine the passage of amendments, announced that two amendments she offered to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 passed on the House floor. The first amendment would create an Environmental Mitigation Pilot Program to allow the Department of Defense (DoD) to provide additional funding for airport improvements at vacant facilities, including those located in Ontario. The second amendment would add economic impacts to the study on the effects of airport noise on communities near busy airports.
"Airports have the power to transform our communities into economic engines. To get those engines reeving at full strength, it is essential to make efficient use of airport facilities that were once operated by our Armed Services and to understand the economic impact of airport noise," said Torres. "My amendments would return airport resources to local airports, like Ontario International Airport, and present a clearer picture of the challenges facing our communities and the aviation industry so that we may best help resolve them."
Torres is the Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Budget Task Force and represents California's 35th congressional district, which includes Ontario International Airport. One of her first accomplishments upon being elected to Congress was returning the airport to local control—which has already resulted in more flights and options for the residents of the Inland Empire.
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