"Fort Lauderdale, Florida airport growth debated"

Monday, May 27, 2002

Airport growth debated
By Scott Wyman
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel


Opponents of expansion at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport
fear a future of noise and pollution, but others wonder whether there is a
way for the airport to be both bigger and environmentally friendly.

The search for a compromise in the airport expansion war is turning to a
group of environmental consultants who promise to make the airport greener
as it grows. Their ideas range from using alternative-fuel vehicles to
reducing aircraft noise.

Broward County commissioners will consider signing a contract with the Clean
Airport Partnership on Tuesday, when they take up suggestions that they
restudy the airport's long-range expansion plans. The prospect is being met
with a mix of skepticism and opposition from environmentalists fighting the
expansion.

"They could provide us the balance that we need," said commission Chairwoman
Lori Parrish, who has pushed hard for the group's involvement. "They respect
the economic development issues, but also respect the needs of the
environment. I want to do this in as environmentally friendly a fashion as
possible."

The airport has wanted to extend the southern runway across Federal Highway
by 2008 to accommodate the growing number of commercial flights. But the
project has drawn intense criticism from nearby residents,
environmentalists, and state and federal agencies over noise and damage to
wetlands and coastal parks.

An airport advisory committee asked the commission two weeks ago to explore
alternatives as the federal permitting process for the runway moves forward.
Parrish and airport administrators want the Clean Airport Partnership
involved in that study, which is expected to take up to three years.

The partnership has been involved in airport environmental initiatives
nationwide.

Steven Howards, executive director of the partnership, said the organization
does not promote or discourage airport expansions, but seeks ways to make
airport projects more environmentally sound.

"Airports are a love-hate thing, but there are ways to make airports
environmental leaders," Howards said.

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