Friday, September 14, 2001

DeCosta says airport will address Fulton concerns

Hartsfield Atlanta International Airport General Manager Ben DeCosta this week issued a response to a mitigation plan for the airport's fifth runway expansion, proposed by the Fulton County Board of Commissioners.

Residents of South Fulton in recent months have expressed strong opposition to the airport's proposal to increase the runway's length from 6,000 to 9,000 feet, to allow larger aircraft to take off and land.

Noise and air pollution are among the most often mentioned objections, along with "environmental justice" concerns that South Fulton residents will bear the brunt of the environmental impact because of their low-income status.

DeCosta expressed his agreement with the commission's environmental concerns and committed to partner with the commissioners on their suggestions.

"We have addressed many of the commissioners' concerns and submitted a mitigation plan to address them to the Federal Aviation Administration in support of the fifth runway extension request," DeCosta said in a prepared statement.

He added, "Over the past three years my staff and I have met and worked with Fulton County representatives and each time we get closer to finding resolutions to certain issues."

In his written response release, DeCosta outlined the steps he plans to take to ensure that Hartsfield upholds its commitment to be an "environmentally friendly neighbor."

One of the short-term steps includes using a portion of a $17 million federal grant to resolve noise concerns among some Fulton County residents.

Hartsfield, the busiest passenger airport in the world, is an economic engine for the Southeastern United States, generating more than $16 billion in total economic impact each year. The airport is undertaking a 10-year, $5.4 billion expansion program, which is the largest public works project in the state of Georgia.

The Hartsfield Development Program includes a new fifth runway, a consolidated car rental facility, and a new international passenger terminal.

Back to South Fulton News Home Page | Back to the top of the page