Establishes Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program; supports partnership between public institution of higher education and federal Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative and establishment of Center for Study of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena; appropriates $3.5 million.*

This bill establishes two key programs in New Jersey. First, it creates an Air Traffic Controller Loan Redemption Program that allows eligible NJ resident air traffic controllers (employed by the FAA at approved sites) to repay up to $100,000 of their student loans in exchange for 4 years of service (16% repayment for year one, increasing to 30% for year four). Second, it appropriates $2.5 million to fund grants for public colleges to establish aviation training programs, including a Center for Unidentified Aerial Phenomena research, non-engineering aviation degrees, and participation in federal air traffic training initiatives. The total appropriation is $3.5 million, with $1 million for the loan program and $2.5 million for college grants. The bill directly affects NJ air traffic controllers and public institutions of higher education.