FAA Issues Record of Decision for PHL 17-35 -- The FAA made its decision on 17-35, as expected, in favor of Alternative One. I just called FAA Eastern Region and confirmed the email I received earlier today.

We can lessen the effect of the 17-35 Runway extension and future expansion projects by contacting our regional Senators and Congressmen and have them pass legislation placing weight limits on aircraft using Runway 17-35 and mandate noise reduction as stated goal for all pending and future airspace redesign projects and the proposed PHL CEP.

Comments from Havertown, PA resident....
Unlimited demand cannot be added to a finite system without serious consequences to the health and welfare of the citizens of three states. Irresponsible scheduling of flights at peak times cannot continue if the FAA is truly serious about mitigating delays. While delays continue to be a major problem at the nation's largest airports, other airports such as the Pittsburgh airport and regional airports such as Lehigh and Harrisburg are being under utilized . Untapped capacity can be found in the system to deal with delays at PHL in the short term without wasting taxpayer's money on a short-lived runway extension and highway relocation ( State Route 291) that will negatively impact their quality of life.

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Council gives its OK to $230M airport bond deal
Posted on Fri, Apr. 15, 2005 philly.com -- By MARK McDONALD
Though it wasn't publicly discussed at the hearings, Council members were also concerned that the airport bond team was put together by former City Treasurer Corey Kemp, now on trial on corruption charges in federal court.Mayor Street's top political aide, George Burrell, also added Simone White as the co-underwriter's counsel to the team. White is the daughter of the late lawyer Ron White, who, until his death, was a central figure in the corruption probe that netted Kemp.But Council President Anna Verna said only the airlines would be harmed if Council rejected the bill. And Councilwoman Marian Tasco noted, "Until we are able to do something about how the bond process works, we still have to continue to do business." A second airport bond issue, for $125 million in terminal improvements, remains stalled in Council because of a dispute over how much oversight Council should have in bond refundings.


WPVI.com - Runway Expansion Awaits FAA's OK - March 3, 2005 - VIDEO: John Rawlins  ¶ 4/29/2005