The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is studying a possible purchase of Atlantic City International Airport or also running the airport according to a letter sent last week to New Jersey Congressman Jeff Van Drew.
“The Port Authority is committed to exploring the potential acquisition or operation of an air terminal outside of the Port District in New Jersey,” said the March 21 letter from Chairman Kevin O’Toole to Van Drew, D-2nd, and fellow South Jersey congressmen Donald Norcross, D-1st; and Andy Kim, D-3rd and obtained by the Press of Atlantic City.
“I have directed staff to immediately undertake a study utilizing industry leading consultants to consider the impact that the Port Authority could have in taking over an airport in New Jersey, including the Atlantic City International Airport,” he said.
The three congressmen had written a letter to the Port Authority suggesting it purchase the airport.
The South Jersey Transportation Authority currently owns and operates the Atlantic City airport, which is located in Egg Harbor Township. Spokesman Mark Amoroso told the Press that the authority is not in active talks with the Port Authority.
The Port Authority managed the airport from 2013 to 2017 for a fee of $500,000 a year but failed to bring in sustainable new flights or other services. However, the city’s casino industry and municipal finances have improved since then and other development initiatives have been funded at the under-used airport.
The Atlantic County government, for example, has funded the start of the Atlantic County Economic Alliance and the National Aviation Research and Technology Park at the airport.
The Press also said New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney supports the idea of the Port Authority purchasing the airport according to sources.
