Transportation (Airports)

SCR 12 is a New Jersey legislative resolution urging Congress to provide emergency funds immediately to modernize air traffic control infrastructure and increase staffing at facilities supporting Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). It directly affects EWR, which serves nearly 50 million passengers annually and has faced repeated system disruptions - including radar outages and controller shortages - since airspace control shifted to Philadelphia TRACON in July 2024. The resolution highlights that outdated FAA infrastructure and nationwide staffing gaps (with only 22 certified controllers at Philadelphia TRACON) are causing flight delays and cancellations, while noting a long-term FAA system upgrade plan announced in May 2025 will take years to implement. New Jersey lawmakers request urgent federal action to address these safety and operational issues.

This bill requires New Jersey's Commissioner of Transportation to create rules reducing helicopter noise at state-licensed airports, heliports, and helistops. It mandates a 47% reduction in helicopter departures (excluding emergency medical, military, news, and hospital flights) compared to the prior 12-month average. Additionally, it bans tourist/sightseeing helicopters from operating between 9:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. on weekdays and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 a.m. on weekends at licensed facilities. These rules directly affect helicopter operators at state-licensed facilities, with exemptions for essential services like emergency response.

This bill exempts certain aircraft maintenance, repair, and equipment sales from New Jersey's sales tax within a designated aviation district. It specifically applies to air carriers operating in the area (including Atlantic City International Airport and the FAA Hughes Technical Center plus a one-mile radius) and covers services like repairs, servicing, and sales of machinery/equipment parts for aircraft. The exemption applies to aircraft with a 6,000-pound or greater takeoff weight and includes both the services and the parts sold for installation. This policy change directly benefits aircraft maintenance businesses and carriers operating in that specific economic zone by reducing their operational costs.