The Trenton-Mercer airport in New Jersey sits just over the state line from Bucks County. In May 2022, the FAA approved a project to modernize facilities first constructed in 1975. The airport plans to quadruple the size of its existing terminal and build a parking garage for approximately 1,040 cars and trucks. The FAA forecasts a 51% increase in flights from Mercer County, rising from about 316,600 to 476,500 by the year 2035. A report submitted to the FAA by Mercer County argued that the airport’s expansion would have little or no impact on the environment or noise pollution. Bucks County's congressman, Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R, PA-1) testified before the U.S. House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, asking the federal government to slow the planned construction of a much larger airport and runway that sends planes flying over parts of Lower Makefield, Middletown, Upper Makefield and Yardley. U.S. Senators Bob Casey and John Fetterman joined the protest, telling the U.S. Department of Transportation in August to perform more rigorous studies on the project and its impact on the local environment. Complaints aside, Mercer County officials said they are moving ahead with the planned construction with a new terminal potentially being complete by 2024.
Source: Bucks County Courier Times; 9/19/2023