There is created a restricted account entitled the Aeronautics Restricted Account within the Transportation Fund.
(2)
The account consists of money generated from the following revenue sources:
(a)
aviation fuel tax allocated for aeronautical operations deposited into the account in accordance with Section 59-13-402;
(b)
aircraft registration fees deposited into the account in accordance with Section 72-10-110;
(c)
appropriations made to the account by the Legislature;
(d)
contributions from other public and private sources for deposit into the account; and
(e)
interest earned on account money.
(3)
The department shall allocate funds in the account to the separate accounts of individual airports as required under Section 59-13-402.
(4)
(a)
Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), the department shall use funds in the account for:
(i)
the construction, improvement, operation, and maintenance of publicly used airports in this state;
(ii)
the payment of principal and interest on indebtedness incurred for the purposes described in Subsection (4)(a);
(iii)
operation of the division of aeronautics;
(iv)
the promotion of aeronautics in this state; and
(v)
the payment of the costs and expenses of the Department of Transportation in administering Title 59, Chapter 13, Part 4, Aviation Fuel, or another law conferring upon it the duty of regulating and supervising aeronautics in this state.
(b)
(i)
The department may use funds in the account for the support of aerial search and rescue operations, provided that no money deposited into the account under Subsection (2)(a) is used for that purpose.
(ii)
The department may use funds in the account from the registration of unmanned aircraft systems only for state infrastructure and administration related to advanced air mobility and unmanned aircraft systems.
(5)
(a)
Money in the account may not be used by the department for the purchase of aircraft for purposes other than those described in Subsection (4).
(b)
Money in the account may not be used to provide or subsidize direct operating costs of travel for purposes other than those described in Subsection (4).
(6)
The Department may not use money in the account to fund:
(a)
more than 77% of the operations costs related to state owned aircraft in fiscal year 2023-24;
(b)
more than 52% of the operations costs related to state owned aircraft in fiscal year 2024-25;
(c)
more than 26% of the operations costs related to state owned aircraft in fiscal year 2025-26;
(d)
more than 10% of the operations costs related to state owned aircraft in fiscal year 2026-27; or
(e)
any operations costs related to state owned aircraft in a fiscal year beginning on or after July 1, 2027.
Section 72-2-126 ("Aeronautics Restricted Account.") is part of the Utah Code, the codified statutory law of Utah. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Utah § 72-2-126?
A common citation format is "Utah Code § 72-2-126" (Utah). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Utah law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Utah official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Utah attorney.
How does Utah § 72-2-126 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Utah can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
