Aviation Association Claims Law Suit Is Politically Motivated

TRENTON, NJ (2/27/02) -- The New Jersey Aviation Association today term a potential law suit by six Bergen County municipalities against Teterboro Airport and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey as a “bad faith act which smacks of political opportunism.”

“It seems quite obvious that Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan is using Teterboro to boost his political objectives,” said Thomas D. Carver, Association President. “I have been at meetings where Mayor Lonegan has accused area State officials of doing nothing about the concerns of local citizens regarding Teterboro. Nothing could be further from the truth. The bi-partisan Bergen delegation has been extremely active in an attempt to mediate airport needs with community concerns. On the other hand, Lonegan has made it quite clear he wants Teterboro closed. This suit is just another attempt to bring that about.”

The Association President added that Lonegan and some area residents ignore the approximate $500 million that Teterboro produces annually for the Bergen County regional economy. “They have suggested that the Airport be closed and a Mall be built in its place. Just what Bergen County needs-another mall,” Carver said.

“The Association’s main problem with the suit is its timing,” Carver stated. “The Port Authority, at the request of Assemblywoman Rose Heck and others, is funding an emission study by the Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute of Rutgers University. Rutgers has a well-earned reputation for fairness and impartiality,” Carver said. “Prejudging the results of the Rutgers’ study and citing the results of an assessment done by the towns’ own consultant, Environ, strikes us as a one-sided biased approach,” Carver noted. “In addition, the municipalities are demanding that any new study be carried out by a consultant of their choice.”

In addition, Carver noted those involved with the potential suit seem unaware of international and Federal law which govern aircraft emissions. “Emissions standards and engine certification are set by the International Civil Aviation Organization and adopted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as 186 other nations. Aviation is played out in an international forum, and the rules governing aircraft emissions cover every corner of the world, including southern Bergen County.”

“We are cognizant, sympathetic and willing to work with the communities to alleviate their concerns. The Port Authority has made every effort to do so. However, once fear and innuendo replace facts, it makes resolution much more difficult,” Carver said.

“Teterboro plays a major role in regional and national transportation. Hundreds of thousands of area residents work for companies which rely on the Airport and the services it provides. It is imperative that reasoned, rational dialogue replace threats and law suits,” Carver stated.

“We continue to hope and believe there are area officials who do not share Mayor Lonegan’s views on the future of the Airport. We are ready and willing to meet with them any time,” Carver concluded.

The New Jersey Aviation Association represents airports, aircraft operating companies, manufacturers, aviation vendors, service companies and pilots involved with the $1.8 billion aviation industry in New Jersey. It also maintains national affiliations with the National Business Aviation Association and other key aviation associations. In 2001 the NJAA led the drive to pass the Airport Development Rights Act legislation, the most pro-aviation bill in decades which allows the State to purchase development rights from airport owners. This not only saves airports from being sold for development, but it preserves the facility for future aviation uses.

The NJAA also played a major role with the members of the State’s Congressional delegation in urging the FAA to reopen Teterboro Airport to full operations after flight restrictions were imposed after the September 11 attacks.