TASA Act Boosts Airport Funding: Feds to Cover 95% of Costs for EAS and Territorial Airports

The Territories Airport Support Act of 2025 (TASA Act) is a short, targeted piece of legislation that changes how much the federal government chips in for certain airport development projects. Right now, the federal share for airport improvements generally requires a significant local match. This bill amends Title 49 of the U.S. Code to raise the federal government’s share of project costs up to a whopping 95% under two specific conditions. Essentially, Uncle Sam is offering to pick up almost the entire tab for infrastructure upgrades at certain critical airports.

Where the Money Goes: Essential Air Service and Territories

This funding boost isn't for every airport; it targets those that need the most help maintaining crucial air links. The first group to benefit are airports receiving compensation under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program. EAS is designed to ensure small, often rural communities maintain a minimum level of scheduled air service, which is vital for business and connectivity. If your local airport relies on EAS, this provision (Section 2) means that necessary runway repairs, terminal upgrades, or safety improvements could proceed with only a 5% local contribution, dramatically lowering the financial hurdle for small municipalities.

The Territorial Infrastructure Lifeline

The second major group benefiting are airports located in U.S. territories, provided they were designated as eligible points under a 1978 federal aviation act (Section 2, amending 49 U.S.C. § 47109(f)). Think of airports in places like Guam, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. These airports often serve as critical hubs for commerce, tourism, and emergency services in geographically isolated areas. By increasing the federal share to 95%, the TASA Act recognizes that these territories often have limited local tax bases to fund massive infrastructure projects, ensuring that vital air access doesn't crumble due to lack of funds. For a contractor or construction worker in one of these territories, this means a significant increase in federally funded infrastructure jobs.

The Real-World Impact: Less Local Burden, More Development

What does this mean for the average person? If you live in a qualifying rural area or a U.S. territory, this bill translates directly into safer, more modern airports sooner, without bankrupting local budgets. Imagine a small town airport needing a major runway resurfacing project costing $10 million. Under standard funding rules, the local airport authority might be on the hook for $2 million or more. Under the TASA Act, that local contribution drops to just $500,000. That’s a huge difference, freeing up local dollars for other community needs or avoiding tax hikes. While the benefit is clear for the communities served, it's worth noting that the increased federal outlay means a higher burden on the FAA's budget, which is funded by taxes and user fees, including those paid by all air travelers and taxpayers.