Publications + Presentations

In a brief but impactful appearance before the Ohio Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee, Tony Fiore, Executive Director of the Ohio Aviation Association (OAA), highlighted five legislative priorities aimed at strengthening Ohio’s aviation system:

1. Preserve and Protect Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Funding
   Fiore urged lawmakers to maintain existing aviation-related tax expenditures and to adopt legislation that ensures all aviation fuel tax revenues are reinvested directly into airport infrastructure. The goal is to create a dedicated and sustainable funding mechanism, managed by the Office of Aviation, to support Ohio’s airports.  
2. Encourage In-State Aircraft Purchases Noting current barriers, he called for reforms that would make Ohio a more attractive place to purchase aircraft. This would open the door to aviation-related economic activity currently being lost to other states.  
3. Protect Ohio’s Airspace Emphasizing the safety and operational needs of pilots and passengers, Fiore advocated for policy measures that safeguard Ohio’s airspace from encroachment or restrictions that could hinder aviation use and development.  
4. Support Public-Private Partnerships (P3s) Fiore recommended adding statutory language that encourages public-private partnerships, which could unlock new investment opportunities and accelerate airport improvements without overburdening public budgets.
5. Allow County Engineers to Support Airports Finally, Fiore proposed permissive language to allow county engineers to provide services to publicly owned, public-use airports. This shared-services model could increase efficiency and reduce costs, particularly for rural or under-resourced facilities.

Fiore’s testimony emphasized the importance of aviation as a driver of economic development, safety, and connectivity in Ohio, and called on the legislature to act decisively in support of the sector.