H.R. 3754: Don’t Miss Your Flight Act

This bill, known as the Don't Miss Your Flight Act, aims to create a grant program to support infrastructure projects that enhance connectivity to public airports. The main points of the bill are as follows:

Establishment of a Grant Program

The Secretary of Transportation will establish a program to provide grants for projects that connect to public airports. Eligible entities for these grants include:

• States
• Indian Tribes
• Local governments or public agencies with control over public airports

Eligible Projects

Projects that may receive funding must:

• Connect directly to a public airport
• Improve infrastructure on land that is either at or within five miles of the airport
• Reduce congestion, expand capacity, provide access to under-connected areas, or rehabilitate roadway, rail, or transit infrastructure, including bridges and tunnels

Specific projects that would qualify include:

• Highway or bridge projects eligible for federal assistance
• Public transportation projects eligible for federal assistance
• Passenger rail transportation projects eligible for federal assistance

Funding Allocation

The bill stipulates that at least:

• 50% of the funds for each fiscal year must go to projects connecting to large hub airports
• 30% of the funds must go to projects connecting to medium hub airports

Application Process

Entities seeking grants must submit applications to the Secretary of Transportation. The applications must contain information as required by the Secretary.

Cost-Sharing Requirements

The federal share of the project costs will be determined according to existing guidelines in federal law. Eligible entities may use certain financial mechanisms, such as credit assistance from the TIFIA program or passenger facility charges, towards their required non-federal share.

Funding Authorization

The bill authorizes $1 billion to be appropriated per fiscal year from 2027 through 2031 from the Highway Trust Fund for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this program.

Relevant Companies

• UAL (United Airlines): As a major airline, United Airlines may benefit from improved airport connectivity, which could lead to increased passenger traffic and operational efficiencies.
• DAL (Delta Air Lines): Delta could also see advantages from enhanced accessibility to airports, improving its service offerings and operational performance.
• AAL (American Airlines): Similar to United and Delta, American Airlines may gain from increased infrastructure that helps passengers access airports more easily.