On March 24, Alaska’s Congressman Nick Begich secured House passage of his Airport Regulatory Relief Act of 2025.
“Today’s passage of the Airport Regulatory Relief Act is particularly important for rural communities in Alaska and across America,” Begich said. “Our small airports are critical for many communities in Alaska, and this bill delivers the flexibility needed to maintain them more efficiently and affordably. By cutting unnecessary federal red tape, we can complete critical runway projects faster, reduce costs, and keep communities connected to essential services like medical care and mail delivery.”
Alaska Transportation Commissioner Ryan Anderson agreed.
“This legislation recognizes Alaska’s reality,” he said. “Allowing the use of highway specifications at rural airports lets us use local materials and stretch our infrastructure dollars further -so we can address more of the critical aviation needs our communities depend on, without compromising safety.”
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Under current law, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires small, non-primary airports – even those serving only light aircraft – to comply with costly, uniform pavement standards designed for major international airports. This regulatory burden has driven up project costs, delayed construction timelines, and strained already limited local resources.
H.R. 6427 would allow states to use their own proven highway construction standards for certain airfield pavement projects at non-primary airports serving aircraft under 60,000 pounds. The legislation requires an FAA review to ensure that any alternative standards do not negatively affect safety.
Begich introduced the legislation alongside Representatives Ed Case (D-HI), David Taylor (R-OH), and Jill Tokuda (D-HI). Begich is a member of the Aviation Safety Caucus and the Aviation Subcommittee.
With the passage of H.R. 6427, Begich has now successfully passed 12 bills through the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 6427 now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
