News Release
For Immediate Release
July 7, 2009
Contact:
Aaron Zappia
(215) 657-7700

House Committee Approves Legislation Blocking Civilian Flights at Horsham Base 

Harrisburg—Today the House Transportation Committee approved Senator Greenleaf’s legislation governing the future Horsham Joint Interagency Installation.  Senate Bill 48 was approved by the Senate on April 27, and now, with the committee’s approval, may be considered by the full House of Representatives. 

The bill would prevent the Horsham Township 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.   

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

Complimentary House legislation, HB 111, is sponsored by State Representative Rick Taylor (D-151, Montgomery) and cosponsored by Representative Tom Murt (R, Montgomery) who represents a portion of Horsham Township.  The three legislators have been working together to pass SB 48 and HB 111 in their respective chambers, testifying before the House Transportation Committee during a public hearing held at the Horsham Township Building on May 28, 2009. 

"This committee’s approval marks a very significant step towards final passage," said Senator Greenleaf.  "I am as optimistic as ever that we will soon see legislation on the Governor’s desk.  I would like to thank the committee for recognizing the importance of this issue to our region.  Preventing commercial flights at this installation is vitally important to protecting the quality of life of our constituents."   

"I thank the committee for its attention to an issue that has been of concern to Montgomery County residents for a number of years," Taylor said. "Passage of this bill will prevent the base from becoming a commercial airport, while securing its use as a staging area for emergency preparedness and response should disaster strike eastern Pennsylvania or any other state in the region."  

"I am very pleased that the committee has approved this bill," said Murt.  "By restricting civilian air traffic at the base, we are ensuring that the quality of life for local residents is maintained."