Costly updates

Thanks for the April 14 story “Original Architect Critical of Airport Update.” I share the concerns of Tasso Katselas that the proposed modernization of the Pittsburgh International Airport will be more costly than the $1.1 billion earmarked for the replacement of the landside building, new roads and a more than $200 million Taj Mahal parking garage.

As an example, the PG might briefly review other major county projects, comparing their original cost estimates versus what the actual final costs were. The list might include:

1. Three Rivers Stadium

2. David L. Lawrence Convention Center

3. Heinz Field

4. PNC Park

5. Pittsburgh International Airport — opened in 1992

For the airport board to say “no taxpayer funds” will be used for the new project is laughable. Who’s paying for airline tickets with associated taxes, the parking fees, sales taxes, etc., each time travelers go to or from the airport?

Another topic of interest to readers relates to the airlines that were solicited to fly in and out of Pittsburgh. To my knowledge, every one of them agreed to come to Pittsburgh because a healthy subsidy was paid to the airline. Allegheny County Airport Authority CEO Christina Cassotis was credited with bringing new airlines WOW, Condor and British Airways to Pittsburgh, plus air freight, but at what price? WOW declared bankruptcy and the Condor flights are seasonal.

I like and enjoy using our airport. I agree some physical plant updates, after nearly 30 years of use, are necessary and worthwhile. But spending upwards of $1.1 billion will be a huge debt burden for the airport authority and our region to fulfill. DAVID HUFF O’Hara