Letter To Senator Jay Rockefeller Chairman Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security

Letter

Letter To Senator Jay Rockefeller Chairman Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security

Senator Jay Rockefeller Chairman Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security SD-508 Washington DC 20510

Dear Chairman Rockefeller:

It is my understanding that tomorrow the Senate Commerce Committee will meet to consider S. 1300, the "Aviation Investment and Modernization Act of 2007." I am deeply troubled by several potential amendments that could harm Reagan National and Dulles International Airports and want to share with you my thoughts this on very important issue.

In 1987, Congress created the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to run Reagan National and Washington Dulles International Airports. The creation of MWAA established a professional organization to operate the airports efficiently and represented a commitment to the surrounding communities regarding aircraft noise and traffic. Those commitments were codified by the Congress in the perimeter and high density (slot) rules. Any change to these rules threatens to seriously degrade service to the airports and breaks the promises made to the surrounding communities.

In February, 2007, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) updated its report on Reagan National and concluded that the airport could accommodate additional flights. It is my understanding from the reservations expressed by MWAA that this report was severely flawed. It failed to appreciate the impact on ground side services (such as parking, gate availability and counter space), underestimated the current use of the primary runway and overestimated the number of flights that can land during periods of poor weather.

Nearly ten years ago, MWAA rebuilt much of Reagan National and transformed the airport into one of the most efficient airports in the nation as the facilities constructed were matched to the number of flights established by law. Any increase in the number of flights will overburden critical airport facilities and infrastructure causing serious disruptions. As you are undoubtedly aware, passenger parking at the airport has become a significant problem. On most days of the week some or all of the garages are at capacity. New flights will create more demand for parking where none is available. At the same time, gate access is an issue as airlines are currently sharing gates in some areas. More flights will result in airplanes being held on the field while waiting for gates. Not only does this trap passengers but it increases the potential for runway incursions involving loaded aircraft. These are significant issues that the Committee must consider in reviewing changes to the perimeter and slot rules.

Importantly, the slot rules in place have created an airport in balance with the neighborhoods. Because Reagan National is convenient to many, it is appreciated and well used. But this convenience comes at a heavy price for many airport neighbors in the form of aircraft noise and airport related traffic in Arlington, Alexandria and southern Fairfax. Adding flights beyond what was agreed to in the legislation creating MWAA breaks the bond that was created with the neighbors of the airport and unfairly burdens them for the sake of the convenience of others.

With regard to the perimeter rule, its value is evident in the development taking place at Dulles International Airport today. Because Dulles is better situated to handle the demands of long-haul flying, the Congress wisely established the perimeter rule to move long-haul traffic there where the space exists to handle the necessary parking and expansion. The multi-billion dollar Dulles Development program, and the investments in rail to Dulles, are all predicated upon the Congress keeping its word on the perimeter rule. Eliminating the perimeter rule will not only overburden capacity at Reagan National by overwhelming the facilities but would significantly change the infrastructure improvements needed at Dulles - many of which are already under construction.

Finally, eliminating the perimeter rule will result in tremendous economic pressure to abandon service to cities inside the perimeter for higher revenue service flights. Indeed, cities such as Richmond and Norfolk, which are currently within the perimeter, could lose their service or have it reduced if the perimeter rule is eliminated.

For the forgoing reasons, I urge you to reject any changes to the high density and perimeter rules at Reagan National Airport.

Thank you and best wishes. Sincerely,

Jim Webb United States Senator

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