Tension From Local Residents

The FAA approved an extension Friday for Philadelphia International Airport runway 17-35. The 5,500 foot runway will be expanded to 6,500 feet under the project. This will allow 737s, 717, and A320s to use the runway in addition to the turboprops and regional jets that currently do. Of course, not everyone was happy with the announcement.

"Residents of Pennsylvania are still concerned that their quality of life is being adversely affected. I am not convinced that the results of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) are accurate and that the runway extension project will not generate safety or noise concerns for area residents." said Congressman Curt Weldon (R-PA) in a statement.

This runway extension was one of several ideas that have been worked on for the last few years. With this final federal approval, the $36 million project is scheduled to be complete in 2007. Airport officials believe that the extension will not cause significant jet noise, air pollution, or safety issues.

"The long term problems at the airport are not going to be resolved through this short term fix," said Weldon. "I will continue to look for ways to alleviate the concerns that I am hearing from my constituents. I, along with my colleagues, am determined to find a solution that will effectively address the concerns of our residents and airport expansion."

FMI: www.phl.org