Unless the

proposed fifth runway is expanded to accommodate all planes, the economic

engine that is Hartsfield International Airport could face a severe crunch.

That's the

assessment from Hartsfield general manager Benjamin DeCosta, who pledged

to address residents' concerns over the massive redevelopment project.

Authorities

already have approved building the runway, with a 6,000-foot length, but

city officials are now working for approval to add 3,000 more feet to

accommodate larger aircraft, not just the commuter planes that the 6,000-foot

runway will allow.

"We had

over 80 million passengers last year, along with 900,000 flights. We're

the busiest airport in both categories, but we're also the most delayed

airport," DeCosta said.

The proposed

$1 billion expansion of the fifth runway will go a long way toward cutting

down the delays and keeping Hartsfield's economy expanding, he said.

"The airport

generated more than $16 billion a year in economic activity each year

and the runway expansion will increase that," he said.

But many South

Fulton residents claim an expansion of the runway will lead to everything

from bad air to environmental justice concerns. An opponents' group has

vowed to fight the proposal in court if necessary.

DeCosta dismisses

the air quality argument.

"The expansion

will actually improve the air quality. There won't be so many planes idling

waiting to take off," he said.

DeCosta also

said that claims of inverse condemnation would have to be interpreted

who claim the property values are being devalued by the city since the

airport was placed in the area.

The airport

general manager said Atlanta city officials are looking hard at trying

to make sure people's concerns are addressed. The Atlanta City Council

is expected to discuss the expansion of the runway at a meeting next month.

If an approval is granted, DeCosta said the runway could be completed

by 2005.

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