One New Runway Would Be Built, Two Extended, But Not Everyone Is Happy With The Plan

The FAA has selected the plan it considers the best choice for expansion at Philadelphia International Airport (KPHL). But a green light on the project can't be given until a final environmental impact statement is completed, and a local government is still hoping to slow or alter the project.

The plan would extend two runways and build one entirely new one. The $5.2 billion cost would be paid for through FAA grants, airport revenue bonds, and passenger facility charges, according to The Daily Times of Delaware County, PA.

The plan would also mean that the airport authority would have to acquire about 200 acres of land from private owners, displace about 72 residences, and require the relocation of a UPS facility at the airport. The expansion would cost local governments and school districts around the airport nearly $3 million annually in lost tax revenue. The FAA estimates there would also be "significant noise impacts" for nearly 2,000 people by 2030, along with the loss of 82 acres or wetlands and other environmental concerns, according to the paper.

And, as was seen as recently as last year with the proposed runway expansion of Chicago's O'Hare airport, a small local government plans to try to block, or at least alter, the expansion plans. Thomas Jay Giancristoforo Jr., the president of the board of commissioners in Tinicum Township which is near the airport, said he will do "everything in my power" to stop further airport encroachment into the township. "It's our survival, really," he said. The township filed a lawsuit in May of last year to require "first class cities" to obtain the "consent of local authorities" when acquiring land.

The project, if green-lighted, is expected to take 12-15 years to complete, and could create as many as 46,000 jobs over that period.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.tinicumtownshipdelco.com, www.phl.org