Addressing Transportation Challenges for the CNMI during FAA Reauthorization Discussions

Geographically isolated regions struggle when it comes to airport infrastructure. It’s not just for travel - our airports are critical lifelines for the people. And As the Defense Department makes investments in the CNMI, federal, state, and local governments must all ensure our airports are in order, as our military is dependent on them. The witnesses at today's Subcommittee on Aviation hearing got it right - “Ultimately at the end of the day. if the markets aren’t there, it makes it very difficult for carriers to get into that system.”  We need a thriving tourism industry with multiple source markets in order to be self-sustainable—federal subsidies will only be a band-aid on the problem. Instead of a handout, we need a hand up.