Airport Agreement Signed Between The City of Philadelphia And Tinicum Township, Delaware County, And Interboro School District

April 23, 2015

The City of Philadelphia has signed an agreement today with Delaware County, Tinicum Township, and Interboro School District that resolves tax litigation and approves land acquisition to support Philadelphia International Airport’s multi-billion dollar Capacity Enhancement Program (CEP).

The agreement addresses concerns of Tinicum officials and includes provisions that allow the Airport to move forward with portions of its expansion plan in Delaware County without the need to acquire 72 Tinicum Township homes and relocate approximately 300 Tinicum residents.

“I’m proud to be here with leaders from around the Philadelphia region to sign this historic agreement,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter.  “The multi-billion dollar Capacity Enhancement Program for Philadelphia   International Airport was initiated to improve passenger experiences, accommodate future growth and expand our role as a leader in global air travel.  Our regional competiveness, the economy of the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the growth of businesses and jobs in our great city are directly tied to the success of the Airport.”

The signing reflects a formal agreement between the City of Philadelphia, which owns and operates the Airport, and nearby municipalities.  Last May, the four parties announced an agreement in principle had been reached and today’s announcement signals that its details have been formalized. 

The Airport will resume payments to its Delaware County neighbors that ceased after a previous agreement expired in 2007. Also, the City and Tinicum have agreed to a 50-year lease/purchase of Hog Island Road and the currently-leased Runway Safety Area. This agreement enables all parties to move forward from litigation and provides a legal framework to prevent future litigation associated with the CEP.

The CEP is a comprehensive program to modernize Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) over the next 12-15 years. It is an investment in airfield, terminal and cargo projects and will improve operational efficiencies, enhance customer experiences and increase the region’s global connectivity at one of the nation’s busiest airports. Current approved CEP projects include:

  • Design and construction of a 1,500 foot extension of runway 27L to 12,000 feet that will enable aircraft to travel longer international routes. Construction of airfield taxiway improvements that will enable greater flexibility and efficiency for departures and arrivals.
  • Plan and design of a new Automated People Mover (APM) system, which can move travelers between terminals quickly and conveniently.
  • Plan to design and construct a new consolidated rental car facility so customers can go to a single location and shuttle traffic will be reduced on Airport roadways.
  • Plan to re-design Terminal B/C to provide new ticketing, baggage screening, and security screening.

"We are pleased that this litigation has finally been settled.  It accomplishes our top priorities - saving our residential neighborhoods in Tinicum; ensuring that the county, school district and township tax bases are preserved; and, allowing the much needed improvements to our region's Airport to get underway,” said  John P. McBlain, Delaware County councilman and former County  solicitor. “The Capacity Enhancement Program should now provide thousands of construction jobs for working men and women in Delaware County for years to come.  The improvements to the Airport should mean a world class facility that will enhance business in Delaware County and a better travel experience for air travelers."

“Nearly one year ago, we stood here and promised that we would reach an agreement that would allow the Airport to grow while still protecting the people of Tinicum Township, whose daily lives are most impacted by the Airport and its operations. Today we are here to keep that promise,” said Tom Giancristoforo, President of the Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners. “This agreement achieves the ultimate goal we have been trying to reach for years – preserving Tinicum’s neighborhoods and securing a stream of revenue that will benefit the township and its people for decades to come.”

"The Interboro School District looks forward to the conclusion of this agreement with the three other governing bodies after many years of discussion,” said Interboro School Board President Kathy Hauger. “It will enable the district to better plan for the educational needs of our students."​

 “This signing signifies our partnership and our commitment to good relations with our neighbors,” said Airport CEO Mark Gale. “I want to thank Mayor Nutter for his vision and support as we worked to achieve an agreement that sets the stage to advance the CEP in a responsible manner. 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 Pat Meehan and Congressman Bob Brady for their support of this important milestone.”

“The agreement paves the way for good-paying jobs for middle class families and fewer delays at the gate for travelers,” said Meehan. “It also helps the Delaware County communities surrounding the Airport and protects the tax base so vital to our local school districts. The Capacity Enhancement Program will help the Airport meet the air travel needs of our region for years to come. I’m pleased all parties were able to reach an equitable agreement.”

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 agreement as a positive development for the entire region. The final agreement and reconfiguration of the CEP require FAA approval.

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 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.

The agreement today was signed by Mayor Nutter and Delaware County Council Chairman Mario Civera, Jr; Interboro School Board President Kathy Hauger; and Tinicum Township Board of Commissioners President Thomas J. Giancristoforo, Jr.

Contacts:

Philadelphia International Airport

Mary Flannery

[email protected]

            Congressman Patrick Meehan

John Elizandro

            [email protected]

Delaware County  

Trish Cofiell 

[email protected]

Tinicum Township

Sarah Larson

[email protected]

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