Residents of

South Fulton in recent months have expressed strong opposition to the

airport's proposal to increase the runway's length from 6,000 to 9,000

feet, to allow larger aircraft to take off and land.

Noise and air

pollution are among the most often mentioned objections, along with "environmental

justice" concerns that South Fulton residents will bear the brunt

of the environmental impact because of their low-income status.

DeCosta expressed

his agreement with the commission's environmental concerns and committed

to partner with the commissioners on their suggestions.

"We have

addressed many of the commissioners' concerns and submitted a mitigation

plan to address them to the Federal Aviation Administration in support

of the fifth runway extension request," DeCosta said in a prepared

statement.

He added, "Over

the past three years my staff and I have met and worked with Fulton County

representatives and each time we get closer to finding resolutions to

certain issues."

In his written

response release, DeCosta outlined the steps he plans to take to ensure

that Hartsfield upholds its commitment to be an "environmentally

friendly neighbor."

One of the

short-term steps includes using a portion of a $17 million federal grant

to resolve noise concerns among some Fulton County residents.

Hartsfield,

the busiest passenger airport in the world, is an economic engine for

the Southeastern United States, generating more than $16 billion in total

economic impact each year. The airport is undertaking a 10-year, $5.4

billion expansion program, which is the largest public works project in

the state of Georgia.

The Hartsfield

Development Program includes a new fifth runway, a consolidated car rental

facility, and a new international passenger terminal.

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