News Release
For Immediate Release
March 20, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

Greenleaf, Taylor and Murt Work to Block Civilian Flights at Horsham Base

At a news conference today, the three lawmakers discussed legislation to block commercial flights, and regulate non-government users of the base.

Since the announcement that the Willow Grove Joint Reserve Base will become a joint interagency installation in 2011, area residents and municipal and state officials have been hard at work to ensure the installation remains much like it has since World War II—strictly a military base.

With non-government entities eligible to take up residence once the Navy vacates the base, questions remain as to whether there will be commercial use of the airstrip.

The potential of commercial flights has raised concerns throughout the region, including noise from overhead planes, added traffic congestion, and companies seeking to use the facility as a tax-sheltered base of operations with runway access. 

"This legislation will prevent commercial flights," said Greenleaf, author of Senate Bill 48 which received the unanimous approval of the Senate Veteran’s Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee on Wednesday. 

The Senator’s bill would prevent the base from becoming a commercial airport by limiting non-governmental users of the base to those performing homeland security, national defense, and emergency preparedness missions. 

Greenleaf said, "The state is moving forward with plans for a joint interagency installation with the best intentions, but legislation is needed to protect local interests.  I don’t want to see taxes increase one cent, or this township experience a budget dilemma because of government oversight.  Local government must have a voice in this process.  The concerns of this community are real, and it is our job as legislators to protect those we serve." 

Should Hatboro-Horsham school district no longer receive $650,000 in annual impact aid from the federal government, area property taxes would increase.  As well, Horsham Township would face additional costs of water infrastructure and sewage disposal from new development.

The legislation requires all non-military occupants of the base to comply with local ordinances including zoning regulations and property taxes. 

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 have alerted fellow lawmakers to the importance of this legislation to the region, and have asked for speedy passage in their respective houses.  Greenleaf’s Senate Bill 48, having received committee approval, has been sent to the Senate Floor.  Taylor’s House Bill 111 awaits the consideration of the House Transportation Committee.