2014 Delaware County Law Enforcement Memorial

May 7

Rose Tree Park

We Remember

Tentative Airport Agreement Reached between the City of Philadelphia, Tinicum Township, Delaware County, and Interboro School District

Agreement crucial to continuation of the Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP)

Tinicum Township Commissioners President Tom Giancristoforo Jr., Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter and Delaware County Council Chairman Tom McGarrigle join hands in partnership to announce a tentative agreement that will allow expansion of Philadelphia International Airport while preserving the quality of life in Tinicum Township.

The City of Philadelphia, Delaware County, Tinicum Township and Interboro School District announced that they have reached an agreement in principle that will enable the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) to move forward on its airport expansion plan without the need to acquire 72 Tinicum Township homes and relocate approximately 300 Tinicum residents.

“Philadelphia is one of America’s premier cities, and a premier city needs a premier airport,” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter. “The expansion of the Airport will mean regional growth, which means more jobs and economic opportunities for residents in the region.”

After nearly eight years, the City of Philadelphia, which owns and operates PHL, has reached an understanding with nearby municipalities that will enable the Airport to fully implement the Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP), which was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The proposed agreement, which dates back to 1966, includes funding to ensure continuity of tax revenues for the Airport’s Delaware County neighbors as the CEP moves forward. This tentative agreement is the latest in a long history of discussions among the Airport, Tinicum Township, Delaware County and the Interboro School District. It continues payments the Airport made to its Delaware County neighbors that had been stalled since 2007.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is expected to review the tentative agreement which settles several years of litigation and advances the CEP while minimizing its impact on its closest neighbors, the people of Tinicum Township, in which two-thirds of the Airport is located.

The CEP is a comprehensive program to expand and modernize PHL. It is anticipated to resolve issues that have plagued one of the air traffic network’s most crucial hubs for years by improving operational efficiencies, customer experiences and connectivity.  

“This agreement maintains the quality of life for the airport’s neighbors and will mean jobs for Delaware County residents,” said Tom McGarrigle, chairman of Delaware County Council. “It means thousands of direct construction jobs for our region. It means more jobs associated with the airport and its operations. And it will mean expanded access to overseas markets and more opportunities for Delaware County businesses, which is good for the economic growth of our county as a whole. This agreement is good for Delaware County, good for Tinicum Township, and good for Interboro School District.”

“Tinicum Township is home to most of Philadelphia International Airport and our residents have been patient while we have worked to form a relationship with the Airport and its governing bodies that is mutually beneficial,” said Thomas J. Giancristoforo, Jr., President of the Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners. “We believe the proposed terms provide for that. The Airport will be able to grow while the interests of the Tinicum Township residents, whose daily lives are directly impacted by the Airport and its operations, will still be protected.”

“This agreement was brought about through a great deal of hard work and collaboration, which is good for all parties involved and integral to the CEP and the vitality of the entire Philadelphia region,” said Airport CEO Mark Gale. I want to thank Mayor Nutter and Deputy Mayor Cutler for their engagement and support during this entire process and their commitment to the CEP and the future of our Airport. I also want to thank the Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners and Delaware County Council for their collaboration during the negotiations, and the advancement of the CEP. I would also like to thank Congressman Meehan and Congressman Brady for their active role and participation in this very important milestone.”

“Philadelphia International Airport is a major driver of jobs and economic growth for our entire region,” said Meehan. “The expansion project will help the Airport attract vital long-distance international routes that will bring employers and jobs to our area. Just as important, it also protects the residents of Tinicum Township that live in the surrounding community, as well as local school districts. I’m pleased all the parties were able to come together and reach a proposed agreement, and I’m committed to working with the FAA, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and to other federal agencies involved to see this project through to completion.” 

In 2002, the U.S. Department of Transportation identified the improvements to PHL as one of 13 high-priority projects nationwide. Years of discussion have now yielded a program that will benefit both the Airport and its neighbors, clearing the way for a path forward. Those involved in the discussions over the years hail the tentative understanding as a positive development for the entire region.

More than 30 million travelers pass through PHL each year. The CEP will enable the Airport to grow to meet future demand and help remedy some of the issues facing the Airport today. The multi-billion dollar program is expected to be completed in phases over 12 to 15 years. The program will be funded through airport revenue bonds, passenger facility charges, federal Airport Improvement Program grants, and other airport revenues. No local tax dollars will be used to fund the improvements. The result will be an Airport better equipped to facilitate travel and commerce that is more modern and efficient for years to come.

Under the new proposed plans, the Airport will expand using largely undeveloped parcels of land, leaving the existing neighborhood east of 4th Avenue intact. The result is a design and a relationship that all leaders believe will benefit the region for years to come.