Critic Says "Plan Doesn't Address The Issues"

Calling an FAA plan a "colossal mistake" may be harsh, but that's exactly what Representative Robert E. Andrews (NJ-D) said Friday about the agency's "preferred alternative" to reduce flight congestion over five mid-Atlantic states, including New Jersey, reported the (NJ) Home News Tribune.

The comment came following a meeting with FAA Deputy Administrator Robert Sturgell and House Transportation Committee Chairman James Oberstar that was attended by Andrews and Pennsylvania congressman, Democrat Joe Sestak.

Andrews called the plan poorly thought out and one not taking into account residents' concerns about noise pollution in South Jersey.

Additionally, he said, in addition to not reducing flight delays at PHL, the FAA couldn't say precisely how much money it needs to build new facilities, train air traffic controllers, and buy equipment to implement its so-called "preferred option."

"The job of the FAA is to come up with the correct answer," said Andrews. "We don't think the FAA has done that. After hearing from the (FAA), I'm absolutely more convinced than ever that this air space redesign is a colossal mistake."

FAA spokesman Jim Peters said South Jersey residents not only would have a chance to see the agency's plans to combat flight noise in Delaware County during a May 1 public hearing in Philadelphia, but they will also have a chance to ask questions and later submit written comments before the FAA announces the final plan in August.

A meeting is scheduled for next Wednesday in Newark.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.congressmerge.com/onlinedb/cgi-bin/newmemberbio.cgi?lang=&member=NJ01&site=congressmerge, http://transportation.house.gov