US: White House infrastructure plan faces hurdles funding airport modernisation

President Donald Trump’s infrastructure plan promises few immediate benefits for US airports and airlines, primarily because current aviation laws block many types of public-private projects envisioned by White House officials. Trump’s initiative anticipates that roughly US$100b in federal grants over a decade will generate several times that much in state and local funds to build new roads, bridges, waterways and other big-ticket projects. But when it comes to terminal expansions, gate improvements or other upgrades of passenger amenities at the nation’s airports, some tough legislative barriers need to be overcome before specific projects that would divert airport revenue are even considered. Congress has established tight restrictions against using certain airport revenues for purposes outside the airport. <br/>