Welcome

Joe Sestak on the FAA Airspace Redesign and Airport Capacity Expansion:

Addressing the Federal Aviation Administration—Philadelphia International Airport airspace redesign and airport capacity expansion, i.e. the Runway 17-35 Extension, requires strong leadership for a new direction. The residents of the affected communities in Delaware County deserve to be provided with adequate opportunities to voice their concerns to the FAA about how the proposed changes to take-off and landing patterns may affect their quality of life.

In December 2005, the FAA issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for redesigning the airspace for the NY/NJ/Philadelphia Metropolitan Area. A range of concerns have been raised over the DEIS including that it does not adequately address the impacts of air and noise pollution, the lack of emergency preparedness plans, and the negative effects on property values from increased air traffic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) itself specifically indicated that the FAA report failed to consider, among other things, the full environmental impact of the air space redesign changes, its effect on numerous residential communities in Delaware County, and the disproportionate effects it has on minority and low-income populations.

The FAA held only one public meeting in Delaware County about the air space redesign—while 29 public meetings were held throughout the FAA NY/NJ/Philadelphia region. To provide a greater voice for the residents of Delaware County, I propose establishing a permanent bi-partisan taskforce of municipal government officials, health care professionals, school administrators, business owners, and concerned citizens to best address the full range of issues related to the Philadelphia International Airport. In doing so, we can foster improved coordination between local, state, and federal officials, which is key to tackling these complex issues.

As a Member of Congress, I will fight for the residents of Delaware County in Washington and will hold the FAA accountable for conducting a complete study of the economic impact, health effects, and the environmental impact of this airspace redesign project and other further airport expansions affecting local citizens. While a thriving airport is important to the economic development of our region, I am committed to requiring the FAA to pursue a measured and sustainable course that fully mitigates the negative impacts of the proposed flight path and runway changes.

Following this page is an information center on the FAA airspace redesign and airport capacity expansion. This website is intended to raise awareness and provide objective background information about this critical local issue. It will provide local government officials, business owners, school administrators, health professionals, concerned citizens, and other interested individuals with the necessary information and resources to learn more about this issue and to make well-informed decisions.