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Rep. Young Fights for Crucial Alaskan Provisions in “Mini-bus”

Washington D.C., November 17, 2011

With Alaska Congressman Don Young’s support, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 2112, an appropriations bill referred to as a “Mini-bus.” This legislation funds the Agriculture, Commerce/Justice/Science (CJS), and Transportation/Housing and Urban Development (THUD) agencies. Additionally, this bill contains a Continuing Resolution (CR) that funds the Federal Government through December 16, 2011.

Specifically, H.R. 2112 authorizes $136.6 billion in funding for the Agriculture agencies, $52.7 billion for the Commerce/Justice/Science agencies and $55.6 billion for the Transportation/Housing and Urban Development agencies. 

"This is a fine piece of legislation for the people of Alaska,” said Rep. Young. “Although I would have preferred Congress pass each appropriations bill separately, it is clear to me that this is the best path forward in ensuring Alaska is taken care of. There are numerous provisions within this bill that will benefit Alaska such as language that prohibits the FAA from implementing user fees on Alaska’s general aviators, the Denali Commission funding, and funding for Alaska’s ferry system. These are all great projects and I am proud of how Alaska fared in this bill. I look forward to seeing the President sign this legislation into law.”    

Rep. Young’s provisions in H.R. 2112 beneficial to Alaska:
  • H.R. 2112 includes language that prohibits the FAA from developing and implementing general aviation user fees without congressional approval. Rep. Young has been very active in working to stop consideration of general aviation user fees as a revenue raiser. To learn more about Rep. Young’s work on this issue, click here.
  • H.R. 2112 includes language that would reverse the Department of Transportation’s dismantling of the Block Aircraft Registration Request (BARR) program that occurred earlier this year. To read about Rep. Young’s work in helping to keep this vital program active, click here. 
  • Includes $2.071 million for the research and development of alternative fuels for general aviation. These dollars will help the FAA and private industry in development of an alternative to airplane lead-based fuels.
  • Includes $5,000,000 in funding for the Denali Commission
  • Includes $15,000,000 for Alaska and Hawaii to construct new ferries and facilities. Additionally, the funds may be used to improve existing vessels and facilities.
  • Includes $66.5 million for Village Safe Water Grants programs which helps fund the Rural Alaska Village Grants program

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