OREANDA-NEWS. Miami-Dade Aviation Department (MDAD) Director Emilio T. Gonzalez led a team to Washington, D.C. last week for meetings with key members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, as well as with high-ranking administration officials. The success of Miami International Airport's day-to-day operations depends in large part on the federal personnel and agencies that work within the facility, underscoring the need to maintain strong partnerships in the nation's capital. MDAD's representatives conveyed the airport's evolving needs to federal decision-makers during the visit.

"Having direct access to decision-makers in Washington, D.C. is vital to the success of MIA, and by extension to the success of our local economy," said Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez. "I commend MDAD leadership for working hard to build these relationships and promote our agenda."

MIA's federal agenda continues to be topped by the need for additional U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to keep up with the demands of MIA's growing international passenger traffic, which has increased by 5.1 percent year-over-year through August. The group also spoke to lawmakers about the importance of passing a reasonable Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act in the coming weeks as part of the larger federal budget.

The bill provides operational funding to America's airports in the form of pay for air traffic controllers, as well as federal grants that help airports offset the costs of major capital improvement projects. Another important subject that was addressed was the FAA's Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Program, which enables airports to charge a fee to all ticketed passengers to help fund FAA-approved projects. Lastly, MDAD representatives updated federal officials on MIA's international route development efforts.

Gonzalez and the MDAD delegation met with: Florida Senator Bill Nelson, ranking member of the Science and Transportation Committee; Senator John Thune of South Dakota, Chairman of the Science and Transportation Committee; Senator Kelly Ayotte of New Hampshire, Chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Aviation; and Senate Majority Whip John Cornyn of Texas. Additionally, the group held meetings with members of Congress representing South Florida, including Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart and Congressman Carlos Curbelo, all of whom are staunch supporters of MDAD and its interests.

Also on the agenda were meetings with: Congressman Hal Rogers of Kentucky, Chairman of the Appropriations Committee; Florida Congressman David Jolly, member of the Appropriations Committee; and Congressman Albio Sires of New Jersey, member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The trip agenda was rounded out by meetings with FAA Associate Administrator for Airports Eduardo Angeles and CBP Deputy Assistant Commissioner John Wagner. Gonzalez also met briefly with CBP Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske.

"We're grateful to our federal partners in Washington, D.C., for their time and for their ongoing support," said Gonzalez. "MIA truly is a national asset. Without the efforts of our colleagues in the capital, we would not be able to manage our current record-breaking growth, and we will continue to work with them as MIA expands and develops into America's next global gateway."