DALLAS - Hoping to speed up construction of an eighth runway, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport officials are supporting a federal proposal to expedite airport expansions.

If the proposed legislation is approved, jetliners to and from the planned west runway could be flying over Main Street in Grapevine sooner than the expected five years.

The Expedited Airport System Enhancement legislation, known as EASE, would streamline the authorization process for runways.

Proponents say it would ease passenger delays, but critics contend that it would relax necessary environmental checks and balances.

The aviation industry has clamored for faster runway construction after a recent report by the U.S. Department of Transportation indicated that more than one in four flights last year arrived late. The rate is the highest since the department began compiling such data in 1995.

"The best way to enhance capacity and reduce delays is to add runways," said Carter Morris, staff vice president of regulatory affairs for the American Association of Airport Executives.

The association is co-hosting a two-day conference in Dallas about airport environmental issues.

Passenger totals have slipped the past two years at D/FW, the world's third-busiest airport. In 2000, D/FW had about 863,000 takeoffs and landings, a decrease of 4,000 from 1999. Cramped gate space and airfield constraints are part of the reason, officials say.

With an eighth runway, D/FW could handle up to 1.3 million takeoffs and landings a year, airport Chief Executive Officer Jeff Fegan said.

"EASE will probably identify D/FW's eighth runway as a candidate for this program," he said.

The legislation, drafted by the airport executives association and the Airports Council International-North America, was sent to Congress and the Bush administration March 12.

The proposal calls for the Federal Aviation Administration to identify "critical national airport capacity" projects at airports with increasing delays.

For the first time, the airports could use local money to negotiate noise mitigation agreements with nearby communities, helping to get faster environmental clearance from the government.

Federal restrictions on using airport money for environmental projects would also be relaxed in smoggy regions such as the Metroplex, which is violating federal Clean Air Act mandates for ozone.

President Bush would appoint a council or a czar to coordinate the program and to report to the president.

Proponents emphasize that no environmental laws would be altered.

D/FW Airport officials say they are going to take another look at an eighth runway this year.

The planned west runway has been the focus of intense scrutiny, attracting scores of Grapevine residents to public meetings. Residents are concerned primarily about noise.

The first environmental study for the proposed west runway was completed almost a decade ago amid public outcry about noise and negative effects on air quality, water runoff and wildlife.

Residents said the northbound flight path would take planes over Grapevine's old downtown district, which has been honored by the National Register of Historic Places.

An environmental impact study for the east runway, which opened in September 1996, included the effect of the planned 9,760-foot west runway. But a new study is required because of the time that has passed.

Besides the study, D/FW would have to get approval from tenant airlines for the runway. At least 15 of 29 airlines must approve a major budget change, and those 15 must represent at least 51 percent of boardings at D/FW.

The $347 million west runway was part of D/FW's $2.5 billion expansion plans, which include the creation of a fifth terminal and a people-mover system. But the runway project was put on hold.

"It's still a project supported by the airlines, but until we do the re-validation of the environmental impact statement, it's not a funded project yet," said Clay Paslay, executive vice president of business and commercial development, who oversees the biggest airport construction projects.

Without a boost from a federal program, an environmental impact clearance would take 12 to 18 months, design would take an additional eight months and construction would take an additional three years.

If approved, the legislation would greatly reduce the time required for environmental clearance.

Also Monday, D/FW and the Air Transport Association of America reaffirmed a recent compromise among area airports, airlines and the state to reduce air pollution in the Metroplex.

As part of the agreement, the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission will drop its demand that each airline reduce emissions from ground support equipment by 90 percent by 2005. Instead, airlines and airports will commit to combining efforts to reach that goal.

The agreement includes American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, D/FW Airport, Fort Worth and Dallas.

Emission reductions will come from operations at Alliance Airport, D/FW, Dallas Love Field and Fort Worth Meacham Airport.

"We applaud the TNRCC for accepting the voluntary solution," said Jim Crites, D/FW executive vice president of operations.

Bryon Okada, (817) 685-3853 okada@star-telegram.com

MAP(S): Proposed west runway