Senate Bill 278 Summary

• Creates Chapter VIIA of the Michigan Aeronautics Code establishing the "Regional Airport Authority Act" to allow local governments to create regional airport authorities to acquire and operate publicly owned airports.

• Enables a local government that owns or operates an airport to incorporate a regional authority through a resolution and public hearing process, with articles of incorporation filed with the secretary of state.

• Establishes governance structure requiring a board of 5-9 members (maximum 45% elected officials, at least one non-local resident) serving staggered 3-year terms, with appointment of a chief executive officer and chief financial officer.

• Grants regional authorities broad powers including acquiring and operating airport facilities, entering into contracts and agreements, issuing revenue bonds, establishing rates and fees, and appointing law enforcement officers with full police powers.

• Provides for transfer of operational jurisdiction, property, assets, contracts, grants, employees (with substantially similar terms and benefits), and liabilities from local government to regional authority upon approval date, while protecting existing bond covenants and FAA grant obligations.