Authority eyes A.C. airport

The Atlantic City International Airport's new $26.3 million, 1,370-space, six-story parking garage.
The Atlantic City International Airport's new $26.3 million, 1,370-space, six-story parking garage. (RICH KRENTS / For The Inquirer)

N.Y.C. agency says it could ease air traffic.

By David Porter, Associated Press
Posted: September 22, 2012

NEW YORK - The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is considering taking over operation of Atlantic City International Airport to help reduce air traffic congestion at New York-area airports, officials said Thursday.

The agency said Thursday that it had authorized $3 million for a feasibility study that will look at financial, legal, and environmental issues.

The Port Authority operates the New York area's three major airports - Newark Liberty, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia - in addition to Teterboro Airport in North Jersey and Stewart Airport in Newburgh, N.Y.

Newark, JFK, and LaGuardia annually handle more than 100 million passengers. Delays at any often have a ripple effect on air travel throughout the United States.

Legislation in 2007 in both New York and New Jersey empowered the Port Authority to establish an additional air terminal in each state. The Port Authority acquired an interest in Stewart in 2007.

Atlantic City's airport is operated by the South Jersey Transportation Authority. A spokesman for the authority declined to comment on the Port Authority's plans.

"Right now the airport is serving a great many passengers from central New Jersey, not to mention Southern New Jersey and Atlantic City," Port Authority Chairman David Samson said. "It could relieve pressure at Newark, and it could be an independent generator of income for us through passenger and air cargo. It's potentially a very valuable asset."

There is no deadline for the study to be completed, Samson said.

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