In the AIP process, who appropriates the collected money?

In the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the appropriated funds are directly managed by Congress. This process involves Congress determining the budget for the program and officially authorizing the distribution of federal funds for airport development projects.

The role of Congress is critical as it ensures that the appropriated funds align with national transportation priorities and supports the development of the aviation infrastructure. The FAA, while tasked with administering the program and providing guidance on the use of these funds, does not have the authority to appropriate the funds itself. Similarly, state governments and airport sponsors can advocate for funding, but ultimately, the authority to determine the allocation of funds rests with Congress. Therefore, it is Congress that plays the pivotal role of appropriating the collected money in the context of the AIP process.