ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Phoenix, Arizona
political committees;
campaign finance reports
(NOW: Williams gateway;
Luke; appropriations)
Appropriates $4.8 million
from the state general fund in FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 to the economic
strength project fund for improvements at Williams Gateway Airport and to
protect Luke Air Force Base from encroachment.
As a result of the 1991 Base
Realignment and Closure Act of 1990, Williams Air Force Base was closed. To facilitate the conversion of the airport
to civilian use, the Williams Gateway Airport (WGA) was created in 1993 and is
now governed by an airport authority consisting of Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek
and the Gila River Indian Community.
The Base conversion efforts focused on aviation, higher education and
aviation related industry. WGA also serves as a reliever facility for Sky
Harbor International Airport cargo and passenger operations.
According to WGA, a major
challenge facing the airport is the need to replace old infrastructure and
convert existing facilities to accommodate civilian rather than military flight
operations. The airport master plan
calls for $471 million in capital projects over the next 20 years.
As a matter of policy, the
Arizona Legislature has taken a proactive stance in preparing and protecting
its military installations from realignment and closure resulting from the
evaluations and recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The recent passage of S.B. 1525 requires the
Attorney General to enforce planning, zoning and sound requirements in
political subdivisions with territory that includes property in a high noise or
accident potential zone.
According to the Luke Air
Force Base (AFB), in order for Luke AFB to continue its current operational
requirements, land buffers are needed.
Approximately 70 acres south of the main base is required to safely
store the munitions utilized in military training.
H.B. 2421 appropriates $4.8
million from the state general fund in FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 to the
economic strength fund for improvements at Williams Gateway Authority and land
acquisition around Luke AFB to help combat encroachment.
1. Appropriates $2.4 million in FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 for completion of roadway, ramp, taxiway and related improvements at Williams Gateway Airport approved by the State Transportation Board.
2. Appropriates $2.4 million in FY 2001-2002 and FY 2002-2003 from the state general fund to the economic strength project fund for projects to protect continuing operations of Luke Air Force Base approved by the State Transportation Board.
3. Exempts appropriations from lapsing.
4. Provides for a general effective date.
JUD 3/8/01 W/D
APPROP 3/13/01 DPA/SE 9-0-4-3
3rd Read 3/19/01 44-12-4-0
Prepared by Senate Staff
March 26, 2001