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Notice of Opportunity for Public
Comment
Related to an Amendment of Application
06-10-C-00-PHL to "Impose and Use Passenger Facility Charges" at Philadelphia
International Airport Philadelphia - In accordance with regulations of the U.S.
Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), found at
14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 158, the City of Philadelphia has
been given approval by notice from the FAA dated February 16, 2006 to impose a
$4.50 Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) on the fares charged to passengers
departing from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). This charge has been
in effect since April 2001. Applications approved to date by the FAA allow for
PFC collections to continue to an estimated expiration date of October 1, 2015.
The City of Philadelphia, through its Division of Aviation, intends to
file an amendment to the existing application (06-10-C-00-PHL) to "Impose and
Use PFCs" with the FAA that will allow for an extension of the PFC collection
period from October 1, 2015 to September 1, 2017 and will provide for
additional PFC funds to be used for three airport projects. As required under
Section 158.24 of CFR Part 158, "Passenger Facility Charges," the Division of
Aviation is hereby providing public notice of its intent to file the amendment
to the application.
Comments may be filed with Ms. Phyllis
VanIstendal, Government Affairs Manager, at the address listed below on or
prior to June 30, 2007. Comments received by that date will be considered by
the Division of Aviation and will be forwarded with the request for amendment
to the FAA. More detailed project justification information will be provided
upon written request to Ms. VanIstendal.
City of
Philadelphia
Division of Aviation
Terminal E
Philadelphia
International Airport
Philadelphia, PA 19153 |
Under the amendment,
the total estimated net PFC revenue will be increased by $115,700,000 to a new
total of $1,369,035,490 with an estimated charge effective date of October 1,
2015 and an estimated charge expiration date of September 1, 2017. The amended
application to "Impose and Use" will allow collection of PFCs to continue at
the $4.50 level for the overall application with specific levels for each
project. The project descriptions, justifications, PFC level and PFC amounts
are listed below:
Project # 1208 - Terminal D-E Apron and
Adjacent Taxiway J Reconstruction
PFC Level: $3.00, New PFC
Amount: $11,000,000, PFC Increase: $5,700,000
Description:
Replacement of concrete paving
Justification: The aircraft
parking apron at Terminal D-E was constructed in the late 1970s and is nearing
the end of its useful life. Replacement of the pavement is necessary to ensure
continued safe operation of aircraft. The additional PFC funding is necessary
due to significant increases in material prices and other construction costs.
Project # 1247 - Terminals D & E Expansion &
Modernization
PFC Level: $4.50, New PFC Amount: $106,750,000,
PFC Increase: $70,000,000
Description: The project consists
of a new multi-level connector building between Terminals D and E, a building
addition at the end of the Terminal E concourse, a connector building between
Baggage Claims D and E, and various renovations to areas within the two
terminals and the adjacent thermal plant. The new facilities will include a
14-lane passenger security screening area, an in-line baggage screening system,
23 ticket counter positions, a net gain of three passenger gates and two
baggage claim carousels.
Justification: With the growth in passenger
traffic and stricter requirements for screening of passengers and checked
baggage, these terminals are experiencing congestion. This project will improve
security, reduce passenger traffic congestion and promote air service
competition. The additional PFC funding is necessary due to unanticipated
increases in construction costs for the project.
Project # 1346
- Terminal A-East Improvements
PFC Level: $4.50, New PFC
Amount: $50,000,000, PFC Increase: $40,000,000
Description: This project involves various improvements to the
terminal building and concourse of Terminal A-East to make it fully compatible
with the new adjacent international terminal (A-West). The project includes a
new seven-lane security checkpoint, upgrading of the fire alarm and fire
protection systems, new ticket counters, new doors, flooring, ceilings,
lighting and upgrading of mechanical and electrical systems. Also, the baggage
handling system will be modified to provide an in-line explosive detection
system for all checked baggage.
Justification: With the growth in
passenger traffic and the stricter requirements for screening of passengers and
checked baggage, this terminal is experiencing congestion. These improvements
are necessary to improve security and relieve congestion. The additional PFC
funding is necessary due to increases in the construction and material prices
for the initial alteration work, and details determined in the further
development of the plans for the renovations and in-line baggage system.
The Philadelphia Airport System is owned and operated by the City of
Philadelphia and is composed of Philadelphia International Airport and
Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The Airport System is a self-sustaining entity
that operates without the use of local tax dollars. It is one of the largest
economic engines in Pennsylvania, generating an estimated $14 billion in
spending to the regional economy and employing a workforce of nearly
34,000.
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