Rendell voices support for airport project
Although he stopped short of pledging any specific funding, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ed Rendell said Tuesday afternoon that if he becomes governor, he is going to be a part of implementing the master plan for the Connellsville Airport. During a brief campaign stop, Rendell joined members of the Fayette County Airport Authority, county commissioners and other officials to hear about the airport’s master plan. Rendell said he is impressed with the economic development agenda presented by the commissioners. He announced that today he will unveil Phase Two of his economic development plan that will include categories of help available for various projects across the state.
“I want to be helpful in all plans,” Rendell said. He specifically mentioned the Mon/Fayette Expressway’s Uniontown to Brownsville link, the airport project and the Fayette County Industrial Park on Route 119.
Airport authority chairman Jesse Wallace said bringing the airport project to fruition will bring improve economic conditions and jobs to the county. Scott Bush of Benatec Associates, the airport engineer, explained that when the airport was built in 1938 it was state-of-the-art, but it no longer falls into that category.
Bush said the master plan for the airport includes repaving, updating the water system, constructing additional T-hangars and possible corporate buildings, upgrading the sewage system, improving the infrastructure and ultimately extending the runway for corporate jets.
He said with the nearby Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa resort securing a PGA tournament next year, it could increase traffic to between 75 and 100 planes per year. He said any airplane larger than a King Air 100 will have to fly into Morgantown or Latrobe and commute from there.
Bush estimated that the cost of the plan will be $50 million, but stressed that it must be done in phases. Bush said extending the runway is only part of the plan and infrastructure improvements are vital as well. Commission Chairman Vincent A. Vicites said the key is to have money allocated each year. The county commissioners have dedicated a total of $2 million through a bond issue toward the airport master plan.
Rendell said he doesn’t have to be sold on the importance of airports for growth. He said the Philadelphia airport was a part of that city’s renaissance.
He said he has been coming to Fayette County for 13 years. “You have struggled mightily,” he said.
Rendell said Pennsylvania has been a debt-averse state, ranking 48th out of 50 states in economic growth, which is unacceptable. He said he plans to provide a $2 billion investment in the state’s economy, the majority of which will be made available in the form of bonds.
“I like this plan,” Rendell said. He said in assessing which areas of the state to assist, he will be looking at the best-formulated plans as well as the areas with the greatest need. Rendell said he plans to put more money in PENNVEST for water projects and added that the state needs to step up its tourism efforts.
He said if the economy grows, the tax base will increase and sustain the growth.
“We have to grow our way out of the current economic crisis,” Rendell said. If he is successful on Nov. 6, Rendell said he will be back to revisit Fayette County and the airport issue and make definite plans with clear specifics then.
Commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh pointed out that U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum listed the airport project as the most important transportation project in the state and also said that U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown is on board.
He said if Rendell supports the project, the only one left is the president of the United States.