Report: Airport plan may not fly

A proposed $1.6 billion cargo airport proposed near Hazleton would not be used by major carriers FedEx , UPS or DHL and would require the state to spend $25 million to $35 million on improvements to Interstate ...

[comment]

$250 million in tax money?

Put $250 million into LVIA and improvements of linking US-22 to I-78. Then you have a fully integrated rail (Bethlehem Intermodal), roadway (Interstate-I-78 and I-476) and air (LVIA).

Add this to the $1 billion being sought from federal highways monies and you have an opportunity to for $1.25 billion for major infastructure improvement of 1) freight rail, 2) Cargo airport infastructure, and 3) Roadway solution of expansion of I-78 and design improvements, with improved linkage of I-476 via US-22 to LVIA and improved linkage to I-78 via PA33 and PA412 via US-22.

US 22 could have limited elimination of some exits and further widening and interchange improvements from I-476 to PA 33.

It is clear that I-78 must be improvement from Summit Law to Phillipsburg with interchange redesign, safety improvements, and widening to 6 lane highway.

I agree, there are at least 4 other airports that the Commonwealth should redirect $250 million "government gift" rather than a for-profit land developer.

If Lehigh Valley is fastest growing economy in PA, then leverage federal monies with state monies to improve PA via the Lehigh Valley.

[Save PAP]

Just bring back Paragon Adventure Park. It was the best off-road park in PA and they ran'em out of there to put up an airport that probably isn't going to happen anyway.

[Screwy Louie]

comment wrote:

$250 million in tax money?
Put $250 million into LVIA and improvements of linking US-22 to I-78. Then you have a fully integrated rail (Bethlehem Intermodal), roadway (Interstate-I-78 and I-476) and air (LVIA).
Add this to the $1 billion being sought from federal highways monies and you have an opportunity to for $1.25 billion for major infastructure improvement of 1) freight rail, 2) Cargo airport infastructure, and 3) Roadway solution of expansion of I-78 and design improvements, with improved linkage of I-476 via US-22 to LVIA and improved linkage to I-78 via PA33 and PA412 via US-22.
US 22 could have limited elimination of some exits and further widening and interchange improvements from I-476 to PA 33.
It is clear that I-78 must be improvement from Summit Law to Phillipsburg with interchange redesign, safety improvements, and widening to 6 lane highway.
I agree, there are at least 4 other airports that the Commonwealth should redirect $250 million "government gift" rather than a for-profit land developer.
If Lehigh Valley is fastest growing economy in PA, then leverage federal monies with state monies to improve PA via the Lehigh Valley.

You definetly know your stuff.You should be an environmental designer and or consultant.Keep up the good work...

[Matt_PSU]

Luring freight carriers is a great idea but comment is right, this money would be better used convincing frieght carriers to expand at ABE by building a longer runway (min 12000ft). Making a new airport in the middle of nowhere for $500M makes little sense, especially if FX/UP/etc are not on board. The article touched on a good point- freight carriers regularly partner with airlines to use the extra cargo capacity on passenger flights to send cargo. Being in a freight-only airport takes that option away.

And yes, I am starting to believe that rail to connect to the line to NYC is necessary for this region.

[Jet]

If you don't CALL your elected officials to sweeten the "POT" for these carriers...They spend that money elsewhere people!

ITS THAT SIMPLE!

[Bob]

This project is totally not necessary and should never be funded with government money. And, if you check the newspapers in Luzerne County and read about the principles behind this project, you'll find that they have very serious creditability issues, including Rep. Eachus; a State Representative basically representing a private company??

[PalmertonIsNotTh riving]

BUILD IT.

[Heliport]

folks, tell you're friends to look at the abundance of "cargo" airports already out there.

Kinston, NC
Mid America in St. Louis
Dayton
Cincinnati's empty 1-million sq ft.
Rickenbacker in Columbus
Fort Wayne's 250,000 sq ft.

there's a glut of cargo capacity out there and adding another $250-million worth of it will just add to the problem

[IntheknowIthink]

Lived in Memphis when FEDEX built new terminal with tax credits and tax breaks in 1994, which are now ending. All their infrastructure is old. Wages have matured. They are looking for new incentives which are as important as freight. They want to build the terminal for the 21st. Century. This would keep them on top,save fuel, since NE corridor is the market capital. DHL or German freight lines needs incentives. UPS suffered a strike in 1995 and had to go public. Part time employees were taken into full time union. Pension plans are maturing, time to move. Is there possibility of a merger with an underdog like Airborne freight or with any players? possibly.

[IntheknowIthink]

Since I was a high appointed government official and since my sources are in Harrisburg and since the legislature has unanimously already approved said deal, barring corruption and/or a no-show letter of committment, it's in the bag.

[comment]

Mr. Eachus, when does your son go off to Colgate?

We shall see, there tends to be many represenatives of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Erie, Scranton and Allentown who alread have airports.

However, if this is a dedicated international airfreight hub for FEDEX or other major such as UPS or DHL, with customs and "legally binding contract of a long-term lease" and not letters of intent or letters of committment, then there may be reality in such a facility.

Until then, it is a pipedream and the Lehigh Valley would be most suitable location with 2nd runway.

[comment]

Airborne was already bought by DHL. I am friends with the founder who lives in Hong Kong.

[IntheknowIthink]

Sorry folks, the legislation written and approved more than 18 months ago and put on a one year moritorium by Musto of Pittston,PA. is exclusively for Hazelton, PA.