January 31, 2011

Washington, D.C. – Today, Democrats introduced their first jobs bill of the new Congress, a bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration that will create or protect at least 280,000 jobs, according to an airline industry estimate.

“Democrats are focused like a laser on jobs, and we hope Republicans will join us to pass common-sense measures like this bill that will keep our economy moving,” said Sen. Reid. “More than 45 million people visit Las Vegas and Reno every year, and they are critical to the Nevada economy. About half of the people who come to Las Vegas land at McCarran Airport. This generates more than $25 billion a year for Clark County and sustains more than 18,000 jobs. Modernizing our air travel infrastructure, reducing delays and improving safety will create jobs in Nevada and all across the country.”

The airline industry accounts for nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and $1.2 trillion in annual economic activity, and this bipartisan job creation bill gives it the resources it needs to remain strong.

In addition to creating jobs, the bill will protect consumers, improve air travel safety and reduce costly, frustrating delays by 20 percent. The reduction in delays will not only save passengers time and frustration, but will also save airlines and businesses money. Fewer delays will also save fuel, which will reduce greenhouse gas pollution by airlines and improve the environment.

The legislation will invest $8 billion in the Airport Improvement Program, which funds airport planning and construction, which will create and protect at least jobs. It will also improve access to rural communities and ensure that it remains affordable to get to small cities and towns across the country by funding the Essential Air Service Program.

While Congress has passed 17 short-term extensions of this authorization, this permanent fix will provide stability, safety and jobs for both the airline industry and its passengers in addition to creating jobs.

Economic Impact of Nevada’s Airports:

According to the Airports Council International’s most recent data, the economic impact of Nevada’s two busiest passenger airports is far reaching and accounts for at least 18,000 jobs, delivering tens of millions of passengers to Nevada every year

McCarran International Airport is among the top 20 busiest airports in the world delivering an average of 130,000 passengers a day. McCarran is responsible for:
• More than 18,000 jobs
• Total annual economic impact of nearly $28 billion for Clark County
• More than 40 million passengers annually
• More than 100,000 tons of air cargo

Reno- Tahoe International Airport, the gateway to Northern Nevada and California, offers non-stop service to more than 22 destinations. Reno-Tahoe is responsible for:
• More than $3.25 billion in local economic impact
• Five million passengers annually
• More than 129 million pounds of air cargo.

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