April 12, 2005

Public Statement

The Coalition of Communities Against Runway 17-35

RE: Update on Runway 17-35

From: Marcia Brunelli
1000 Agnew Drive
Drexel Hill,PA,19026

In a summary of a letter written by Senator Santorum to Marion Blakey (FAA administrator) on 4/8/05, Senator Santorum feels that the potential problem stemming from the runway extension will outweigh the current delay issue. He is deeply concerned about air traffic over densely populated areas, and feels that low flying planes may interfere with the level of commerce along the Delaware River.

The comment period to respond to the FAA's FEIS ended April 11,2005. The FAA will issue their official ROD in 30 or more days. The FAA's plans to extend this project is a Band-Aid approach and a short term solution that will negatively impact our quality of life, while only saving a few seconds of delay time per operation. Some believe that the runway will yield economic benefits, but I disagree. Any "perceived" economic benefit will only be temporary, because most likely after a few years, the project may be demolished with the implementation of the Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP). In addition, when you weigh both sides of things, there are certainly more residents from three states that will be negatively affected than the small number of people who will financially profit from temporary jobs generated from this project. The liabilities out weigh any perceived assets.

This issue will not go away. Children with asthma and adults with debilitating lung diseases will suffer. Our coalition is working diligently to gain legislative support regarding this issue. Currently, we do have Congressman Weldon and Senator Santorum's support. We do not have Senator Specter and Congressman Brady and Gerlach on our side. It does not matter if you are not constituents of these representatives.

This is an issue of serious magnitude that crosses Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. I am handing out my statement with information so you may contact Senator Specter, and Congressmen Brady and Gerlach. I urge you to do this without delay. This will be a priority for you if you are concerned about your children and our quality of life in our Upper Darby Township. Thank you kindly for allowing me to bring this to your attention.

Senator Arlen Specter: phone#(215) 597-7200 fax#(215) 597-0406

E-mail address# anthony_cunningham@specter.senate.gov
Congressman Jim Gerlach: phone#(610) 594-1415 fax#(610) 594-1419

E-mail address# betty.charley@mail.house.gov
Congressman Bob Brady: phone#(610) 874-7094 fax#(610) 874-7193

E-mail address# carl.fitzsgerald@mail.house.gov