Porvoo city councillors turn down proposal for new airport in Porvoo
The majority of Porvoo city councillors are opposed to the proposal to place a new airport in the Backas area in Porvoo. The area, now agricultural land, is a 50-minute drive from the centre of Helsinki, and 20 minutes from the Kehä III outer ring road.
The new airport would replace the Malmi Airport in the north of Helsinki, mainly used by light aircraft, as there have been calls in recent years to shut it down and use the land for housing development.
Helsingin Sanomat asked 51 Porvoo city councillors via e-mail or phone about their opinions on the issue in the course of the last two weeks.
A total of 37 councillors responded to the questions, and as many as 26 ot them said that they opposed the planned Backas airport. Just three respondents were in favour of the plan, while eight were uncertain of their stand on the matter.
The 26 councillors who opposed the airport form the majority on the City Council, even if those who were uncertain and those who did not reply at all actually were to change their minds and vote in favour of the project.
On the other hand, those who opposed could back down from their original pledge, as the City Council will not make a decision on the matter until the end of October.
The opponents of the planned Backas airport have expressed concern over potential aircraft noise, among other things.
Further worries also include environmental issues, as emission regulations are constantly tightening and global warming is looming.
Some people say that an airport would ruin the traditional cultural and agricultural landscape. Moreover, the area is currently inhabited.
Those few in favour are appealing to the significance of the project in terms of trade and industry, while those who are uncertain would like to hear more about the project. Moreover, the study conducted by Finavia, Finland's Civil Aviation Administration, is regarded as insufficient.
According to the Ministry of Transport and Communications it is possible in principle to build an airport in Porvoo, even though the City itself might turn down the proposal.
”One municipality alone cannot make decisions on such matters. It is a national issue, and when the time comes a decision will be made at the provincial level”, says the Ministry’s Director General Juhani Tervala.
Previously in HS International Edition:
Helsinki to evict planes from Malmi Airport (9.12.2004)
Proposal for new airport in Porvoo to replace Malmi facility (17.8.2007)
Links:
Finavia - Helsinki Malmi Airport
Helsingin Sanomat
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| 8.10.2007 - TODAY |
Porvoo city councillors turn down proposal for new airport in Porvoo
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