For Immediate Release
August 24, 2007
Contact:  Owen Thomas
Ph: 717-787-8927
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Earll Introduces Legislation to Regionalize Erie Airport Authority 

ERIE – Senator Jane Earll announced today that she has introduced legislation to regionalize the board membership of the Erie Municipal Airport Authority.  Established in the early 1950's, the Authority oversees the management of the Erie International Airport located in Millcreek Township. 

"The Erie International Airport is a regional asset, and should be managed with a regional, county-wide approach," said Earll. "I am introducing legislation today which will modernize the Airport Authority by providing for the regional management and oversight of the airport.  By building on the success of the past with a vision for the future, we can better pursue the expansion of economic growth in Erie County."

Currently, the Erie Municipal Airport Authority is governed by five board members, all of whom are appointed by the Erie City Council.  Under Senator Earll's legislation, the Authority board would be comprised of eleven members from across the county and serve four year terms.

Earll's legislation provides for the following appointments: 

• The Erie County Executive would make seven appointments to the board with the advice and consent of the Erie County Council.  The County Executive must appoint one board member from each of the County Council districts;
• The Mayor of Erie would make two appointments to the board with the advice and consent of the Erie City Council; and
• The Governor would make two appointments with the advice and consent of the Senate.

"Erie County must be poised to capitalize on all of our economic assets," added Earll.  "An accountable, regional approach to the management of our airport will better meet the needs of the consumer, increase efficiencies, and expand the opportunity for economic prosperity across the county."

In addition, Senator Earll's legislation will require the new board and its employees to comply with a code of ethics, and extend the reach of Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know law to board operations.