U.S. Rep. Shuster visits Connellsville Airport
During an unofficial visit to the Connellsville Airport Tuesday, U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Bedford) said he is looking forward to doing his part to make the airport’s master plan a reality. Shuster, a Congressman for the 9th District, will represent a portion of Fayette County next year if he is successful in his bid for re-election on Nov. 5. He dubbed the visit to the airport to meet with airport authority and county executives unofficial because he does not yet represent the county.
“My main purpose is to listen and learn,” he said of the visit.
In explaining the need for funding for improvements at the airport, Scott Bush of airport engineer Benatec Associates said the unique thing about Connellsville Airport is that it has two runways but is lacking the infrastructure for development. He said any business that rents an airplane hangar at the site could not build a two-story building because they couldn’t obtain a sewage permit. He said there is no infrastructure for water and sewage.
“It’s imperative to develop the airport for Fayette County’s Phase II master plan which is under way,” Bush said.
Phase II, which includes demonstrating and preparing a need for the improvements that ultimately include a lengthened runway, should be ready for submission to the federal Bureau of Aviation by April 30, 2003. However, to be able to complete the numerous improvements, funding is needed. Locally, the county commissioners have pledged $2 million from a bond issue toward improvements at the airport. Other political leaders have pledged support as well.
Shuster’s visit marked the third time since July that a high-profile politician has visited the airport, a fact that wasn’t lost on county commissioner Sean M. Cavanagh, who pointed out the legislators who are behind the project. Cavanagh said that U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum (R-Pa.) called the airport expansion project his number one transportation project in the state.
“Finally, the county has our act together,” Cavanagh said. He said hiring transportation consultant William Piper and aviation consultant Gene Lakin were major steps forward. Cavanagh added that U.S. Rep. John Murtha (D-Johnstown) is working to obtain funding and the leading candidate for governor, Democrat Ed Rendell, has also pledged support. He added that by committing $2 million, the county is “putting our money where our mouth is.”
Cavanagh added that in the private sector, Nemacolin Woodlands Resort & Spa owner Joe Hardy has created 1,000 jobs and probably has another 1,000 on the way. He said officials from the federal, state and local governments are committed to the project.
“We’re fighting hard, like lions. We’re ready,” he said.
Shuster said he has worked with Murtha over the past 18 months. “We need to work together to be pulling the wagon in the same direction,” he said. “I look forward to the opportunity.”
Airport Authority Chairman Jesse Wallace said the improvements at the airport are “vital to economic development in the county.” He said the county will progress tremendously if the airport can expand to bring in business class aircraft.
“We’ll see businesses come in,” he said. Wallace said that in addition to local funding, state and federal government contributions are important to the success of the project.
Piper said work is under way to assemble a team with a game plan for economic development. Using maps as guides, Piper showed Shuster the 600 acres of property in South Union Township slated for the Widewaters development (which includes a Super Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club) as well as the Fayette County Business Park. He said the area could really be a development hot spot but the county still needs highway improvements.
“There’s no sense in having development if you can’t get in and out,” he said.
Shuster, a member of the U.S. House Transportation Committee, could be in a position to ensure funding gets earmarked for the airport. He said he is committed to working hard for the upcoming highway and airport appropriations bills.
Fayette County commission chairman Vincent A. Vicites called the airport master plan and the business park development two critical projects. He said the projects are the “lifeblood of economic development efforts in the county” in addition to completion of the Mon/Fayette Expressway.
“The airport is a spoke in the wheel of economic development,” Vicites said.
Shuster said although he will only represent a portion of the county if he retains his seat, he realizes that he represents people and not areas and “what is good for the western half is good for the eastern half.” He said Tuesday’s visit, which included stops at other sites in the county, marked the 10th time he has been in the county since January.
“I’m looking forward to working to make it a reality,” he said of the airport project.
Under the redistricting plan, the 9th District will include the Fayette County communities of Connellsville (half of ward 3 and all of wards 4 and 5); Connellsville, Dunbar (district 1), Georges (districts 1 and 2), Henry Clay, North Union (district 3), South Union (district 3), Springfield, Springhill (district 1), Stewart and Wharton townships; and Fairchance, Markleysburg, Ohiopyle, Smithfield and South Connellsville boroughs.