An agreement has been reached that will allow Philadelphia International (PHL) to make progress on its expansion plan without needing to displace Tinicum Township residents.
“Philadelphia is one of America’s premier cities, and a premier city needs a premier airport,” says 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; Delaware County; Tinicum Township; and Interboro School District reached an agreement in principle that will not require the airport to acquire 72 Tinicum homes and relocate about 300 Tinicum residents.
The proposed deal, which dates to 1966, includes funding to ensure continuity of tax revenues for the airport’s Delaware County neighbors as the Capacity Enhancement Program moves forward. The CEP has been approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The tentative agreement is the latest in a long series of discussions by the four entities, and it will continue payments the airport made to its Delaware County neighbors that had been stalled since 2007.
“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,” says airport CEO Mark Gale. “I want to thank Mayor Nutter and Deputy Mayor [Rina] 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 [Patrick] Meehan and Congressman [Robert] Brady for their active role and participation in this very important milestone.”
The multi-million-dollar CEP will enable the airport to grow to meet future demand and help remedy some of the issues facing the airport, and it is expected to be completed in phases over 12 to 15 years. It will be funded through airport revenue bonds, passenger facility charges, federal Airport Improvement Program grants and other airport revenues.
