News Release
For Immediate Release
March 17, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700
Greenleaf Joins Area Legislators on Legislation to Govern the
Joint Interagency Installation at Willow Grove
As the Willow Grove Naval Air Station is set to change hands
from the U.S. Navy to the U.S. Air Force in 2011 and become a Joint Interagency
Installation, and the Commonwealth assumes the role of landlord of the 1,100
acre base, concerns remain about the future tenants.
Because the interagency installation allows for non-government
entities known as "associated users", questions remain if commercial cargo or
passenger flights will be permitted to operate from the base.
Senator Stewart J. Greenleaf (R, Montgomery, Bucks) has
responded with legislation to prohibit commercial, business or nongovernment
aircraft operations at the base. Under Senate Bill 48, all associated users
must perform national defense, homeland security, and emergency preparedness
missions. Greenleaf’s legislation as well prohibits the base from being used as
a reliever airport or to provide aviation access to the overall region.
"This legislation will guarantee that no civilian or commercial
flights will operate from the base," said Greenleaf. "The goal of this
legislation is to protect the quality of life for area residents and maintain
the site as a military installation."
Of additional concern is the impact that the newcomers will have
on area taxes and how new development will affect the township. Additional
water will be necessary to support the new development and additional sewage
will have to be disposed of.
Currently, Hatboro-Horsham School District receives $650,000
annually in impact aid from the federal government. If those funds were
discontinued, it would result in an increase in local property taxes.
Under Greenleaf’s legislation, non-governmental users of the
installation shall pay local taxes, including real property taxes, and shall
comply with local land use ordinances and zoning regulations.
A complimentary bill, House Bill 111 is sponsored by State
Representative Rick Taylor (D, Montgomery) and cosponsored by Representative Tom
Murt (R, Montgomery) who represents a portion of Horsham Township. The three
legislators, along with township officials, will discuss SB 48 and HB 111 during
a news conference at the Horsham Township building on Friday, March 20th at
1:00p.m.
Greenleaf said, "This legislation gives local officials a say in
this process that will so deeply effect local government and area residents."
