News Release
For Immediate Release
March 18, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Legislation Restricting Commercial Flights, Regulating use of Horsham Base Clears Committee

Members of the Senate Veteran’s Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously approved Senator Greenleaf’s legislation restricting commercial flights and regulating use of the military installation in Horsham Township.  

Senate Bill 48 would prevent the base from becoming a commercial airport by restricting future non-governmental users of the base to those performing homeland security, national defense, and emergency preparedness missions.  

When the base becomes a joint interagency installation in 2011, the legislation requires all non-military tenants or users of the 1,100 acre base to comply with local ordinances including zoning regulations and property taxes.   

"With these changes on the horizon, there is a lot at stake for Horsham Township and the taxpayers in the surrounding communities in Montgomery and Bucks Counties," said Greenleaf.  "We cannot allow loose requirements to open the base to commercial entities seeking a tax break or runway access."   

Greenleaf asked committee members to consider the lack of local control over a process that will have a major impact on local taxes and local government.    

Without the $650,000 in annual impact aid that the Hatboro-Horsham school district currently receives, local property taxes would increase.  As well, Horsham Township would face additional costs of water and sewage disposal. 

The 11 committee members responded to Greenleaf’s request with unanimous approval of the legislation which will now be sent to the floor of the State Senate.