Tue, Oct 18, 2005
Approves Two New Runways And Related Improvements
The FAA has issued its Record of
Decision (ROD) on the Metropolitan Washington Airports
Authority’s (MWAA) proposal to build two new runways and
related improvements at Washington Dulles International Airport
(IAD), saying that plan is the best alternative to improve safety,
increase capacity and reduce delays with the least environmental
impact.
MWAA's proposal includes constructing an additional north-south
and east-west runway, parallel and connector taxiways, Tier 3
concourse development, and navigational aids. The FAA also
evaluated two runway alternatives and a "no-build" (or "no-action")
alternative in its Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS)
issued on August 11th.
The proposed increases in Dulles airfield capacity, coupled with
a new passenger terminal and more aircraft gates, will enable the
airport system to accommodate the forecasted demand of
approximately 30 million passengers and 568,000 aircraft operations
by 2010.
"Providing more runway capacity is vital for Dulles to keep pace
with air traffic growth in the Washington region," said FAA
Administrator Marion Blakey. "This project will ensure Dulles
remains a safe and efficient gateway for travelers to our nation's
capital."
Dulles is designated as a large hub, primary commercial service
airport. In addition to Dulles' critical role in the national
airspace system, the airport serves as the "growth" airport in the
metropolitan Washington region since growth at Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport is limited by federal legislation and
surrounding land uses.
As part of evaluating the ability of MWAA's proposal and the
alternatives to meet the project's purpose, need, and potential
environmental impact, the FAA considered all submitted comments
prior to issuing its decision. The ROD also outlines mitigation
actions that MWAA will need to accomplish in various environmental
areas as well as responses to comments received on the FEIS.
The ROD will be made available for review beginning October
21st. The ROD also will be posted at that time on the MWAA
website.
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