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Airports are vital national resources. More than 500 airports offering commercial service and about 2,800 smaller general aviation airports scattered around the country make up the national airport system. Each airport is independent of the others and only loosely coordinated by the FAA. Airports share common problems, however, and have little means to pool resources to address them. A cooperative research program for airports, modeled on the successful cooperative research programs for highways and transit, had been proposed by airport industry officials for over a decade before Congress requested a specific study on this topic in 2000 legislation reauthorizing the FAA. In response, FAA asked TRB to convene a committee to examine the feasibility of this concept. The committee concluded that a cooperative program is more than a good idea; it is essential for ensuring airport security, efficiency, safety, and environmental compatibility (Special Report 272: Airport Research Needs: Cooperative Solutions; TRB 2003). The committee’s report lays out a basic organizational structure and funding mechanism. In 2003 legislation Congress authorized the creation of such a program and began appropriating funds a year later.