CARGO AIRPORT FEASIBILITY STUDY RELEASED

            HARRISBURG, June 11 — State Sen. Raphael J. Musto (D-Luzerne/Monroe/Carbon) and Sen. Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne/Monroe/Pike/Susquehanna/Wayne/Wyoming) said today that the release of the Hazleton cargo airport study was a sobering eye-opener because it answered some questions while raising others.

“I want to commend Martin Associates for doing a thorough analysis of the financial feasibility of the cargo airport,” Baker said. “The information provided will help policymakers in deciding what should be done next.”

 “This comprehensive and objective study details a number of issues that must be considered by taxpayers and local officials,” Musto said.  “A major part of the analysis concerns the economic impact of the airport locally and how it may or may not fit into the national cargo network.”

The results of the study were released at a public meeting of the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) today in Harrisburg.

The LBFC contracted with the consulting firm Martin Associates to examine the airport proposal following the passage of Senate Resolution 144. 

The tasks of the study were to ascertain construction costs, potential users, define airport governance, infrastructure needs and costs, cash flow and competitive position. 

In addition, the resolution called for an examination of the economic impact of the proposed Hazleton Cargo Airport on the greater Hazleton Area and as well as the potential risks and benefits to state and local taxpayers. 

            Sponsored by Musto and Baker, Senate Resolution 144 directed the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to complete the study by the end of June.