Are motorists on Route 110 and other major roadways surrounding Republic Airport safe? Do all of Republic Airport’s runway thresholds meet current FAA standards for the distance from the nearby heavily trafficked roads? The 727s, that currently land on and take off from Runway 14/32 are extremely low over motorists and vehicles stopped at traffic lights along Route 110. Republic Airport’s current expansion proposals will enable larger numbers of large aircraft to utilize Republic which will add to an already hazardous condition.

On June 14, at its 7 p.m. meeting, the Republic Airport Commission (RAC) is scheduled to vote on a resolution that recommends relocating Taxiway B in order to better accommodate larger Category III aircraft. . This project was the major alteration proposed in the airport’s unapproved Master Plan (MP), which was soundly rejected by 800 people at the August 3, 2000 Public Information Meeting. Now, this critical item is being segmented from the unapproved MP and is up for swift approval without completing the required General Environmental Impact Statement. Airport proponents claim expanding the taxiway-runway separation from 200 feet to 400 feet is a "safety issue," however, page 14 of Chapter 3 of the unapproved MP does not mention safety but considers it critical in order to avoid "operational delays" for large Category III aircraft. Why is the Republic Airport Commission voting on changes needed for Category III aircraft, which include 200,000 pound 727s, when Republic’s current designation is Category II?

Republic airport accepted federal funds for prior airport improvements; therefore, Republic must accept all types of aircraft it has the capacity to handle. If both runways can accommodate large aircraft the airport’s ability to provide reliable scheduled services is enhanced because an alternative runway would be available during unfavorable wind conditions, routine runway maintenance, runway incidents, or reconstruction, etc. Large scheduled cargo and large charter operations are permitted at General Aviation airports.

Existing built-in constraints such as, narrow runway/taxiway separation,etc., have helped to control the use of Republic. If infrastructure constraints are eliminated we would be forced to rely on written protection of legislation, resolutions, and/or rules and regulations that can be removed through litigation or future decisions.  Litigation eliminated Republic Airport’s night-time curfew and the 60,000 pound aircraft weight limitation rule is currently in litigation. Therefore, the surest way to control the future use of Republic Airport is to limit the size of the facilities which have been adequate for the small planes squeezed out of nearby commercial service airports.

Who is responsible for assuring that New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) officials abide by their previous commitment to do a Generic Environmental Impact Statement. It’s unconscionable to "piecemeal" this controversial project. Residents around Republic Airport deserve to have a factual , realistic Master Plan instead of the unrealistic, inaccurate plan that was presented to the public at the August 3, 2000 Public Information Meeting. Contact your local, state and federal elected officials and ask them to intervene to prevent this major injustice from forever impacting your quality of life.

Helen Norjen/Debora Toth

Co-chairpersons, Republic Airport Committee