WILLIAMS VOICES CONCERNS WITH AIRPORT EXPANSION PROJECT

HARRISBURG, OCT. 21 – In a letter to Federal Aviation Administration officials, state Sen. Connie Williams expressed her opposition to a project that would expand Philadelphia Airport Runway 17-35.

“I left the public meeting on the expansion project that was held in Upper Darby Township late last month with continuing concerns about how the proposed expansion would impact residents of the 17^th Senatorial District, especially in Lower Merion and Haverford townships,” Williams said. “While preliminary studies on the noise levels have been completed, these two communities (which already experience a high level of noise from airplanes), have been left out of later studies. It is imperative that any proposal takes into consideration the environmental impact on every community that is part of the expansion plan, or that is located in a flight path.”

Environmental impact studies are currently being completed on the airport expansion project.

Among the concerns Williams expressed in her letter, are an increase in air traffic, resulting in additional noise and air pollution, and a reduction in residents’ quality of life.

“It is equally important that careful consideration be given to the potential for increased air pollution and the economic impact on our local communities – not only in terms of increased funding to train and prepare volunteer departments to handle airplane crashes, but also the impact increased flights will have on local property values,” Williams said.

“Until solid evidence is presented that address the concerns people have expressed, I will not support advancing the project. I understand there are alternatives to the expansion that can be studied. These options, which could impact our communities in so many ways must be considered.”