The Airport Expansion, Public discussion

[unmerged(17471)]

I would be happy if you, the public, would come with ideas, concerns or support of the expansion to this office.

I have concerns about the environmental effects on the area surrounding the airport. To this I would be happy if the ESE would participate.

--- John Liep, MTEF

 

[unmerged(19060)]

How expensive would it be?

 

[von Streusser]

Estimated costs are expected to run at 2.1 billion dollars, but the bill currently before parliament contains clauses that should cover most of or at least defray that expense.

 

[unmerged(19060)]

are we sure we need such large investition? budget isn't a endless sack of gold...

 

[von Streusser]

Those are the estimated costs required to expand the runway so that it can handle the kind of traffic being proposed, so it is necessary. While I realize the budget isn't an endless supply of money, I also did say that there are provisions in the bill to raise the necessary funds, primarily by allowing small tax increases on the services that will eventually benefit most from this airport expansion...taxis, hotels, etc. This expansion is a must, as our sagging economy indicates. This project will employ lots of workers short term and long as the construction and tourism industries will experience major increases in demand. The immediate cost is far outweighed by the eventual benefits. And, like I said, the airport expansion will NOT be dipping into the budget that much, due to the temporary tax increases in the service industries which will raise most of the revenue.

 

[unmerged(19060)]

I am not sure that another tax would be a nice surprise for citizens. have you got any econometric expertise about estimated demand?

 

[unmerged(4271)]

The collection of small tax increases on services that depend upon the airport (and which will reap MAJOR benefits from the airport expansion) are comparable to those charged in major American cities for the construction and operation of airport authorities, mass transit systems, and other infrastructure projects.

What's even better about this legislation is that the "user-fee" taxes will be eliminated upon completion of the airport whereas in most model jurisdications these taxes remain in place to subsidize airport operations.

Looking at these existing models models we have empirical evidence that the industries referenced in the bill (hotels, taxis, rental cars etc) all continue to thrive despite the additional charges. In most cases they do far better, despite the charges, because of the increased business generated by additional customers.

Jack Teano

 

[unmerged(4271)]

I am expressing my support for the airport and for immediate action to begin construction.

This is a limited opportunity to expand Eutopian commerce and if we delay the internaional airlines looking to create regional hubs in Eutopia will go elsewhere.

We need jobs and the airport expansion will create, in the short term, hundreds of new jobs in the construction trades and additional jobs in support industries. Upon completion of the airport expansion hundreds of permanent jobs will be created.

In addition, this new air travel capacity will lead to additional foreign investment by the nations owning the new airlines as they promote Eutopia as a business and tourist destination in order to generate profits of their own.

This is a tremendous opportunity we cannot afford to pass up.

I urge immediate action on this project so that we can stimulate the New Lancaster economy, and provide jobs to several struggling Eutopian trade industries.

Jack Teano