S4335-118

1. Aviation workforce development grants Section 625(b) of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (49 U.S.C. 40101 note) is amended by adding at the end the following: The Secretary may set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants for a grant under this subsection. In reviewing and selecting applications for grants under the programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give consideration to applicants that provide an assurance— to use grant funds to encourage the participation of populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry, including in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities; to address the workforce needs of rural and regional airports; or to strengthen aviation programs at a minority-serving institution (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary vocational institution. (3)Set aside for technical assistanceThe Secretary may set aside up to 2 percent of the funds appropriated to carry out this subsection for each of fiscal years 2025 through 2028 to provide technical assistance to eligible applicants for a grant under this subsection.(4)Consideration for certain applicantsIn reviewing and selecting applications for grants under the programs established under subsection (a), the Secretary may give consideration to applicants that provide an assurance—(A)to use grant funds to encourage the participation of populations that are underrepresented in the aviation industry, including in economically disadvantaged geographic areas and rural communities;(B)to address the workforce needs of rural and regional airports; or(C)to strengthen aviation programs at a minority-serving institution (as described in section 371(a) of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), a public institution of higher education, or a public postsecondary vocational institution..