The Taoyuan Aerotropolis project moved closer to takeoff Sept. 14 with the announcement of an intergovernmental task force for fast-tracking the flagship i-Taiwan 12 development projects.
Overseen by the ROC Ministry of Transportation and Communications, the Cabinet-level task force is awaiting final approval from Premier Sean C. Chen before swinging into an action.
The aerotropolis project aims to transform Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport and its environs into a world-class transportation and logistics hub. The central government is responsible for developing the airport and an adjacent free trade zone, while local government will handle surrounding areas in accordance with land use and urban planning policies.
Under the plan, the 1,223-hectare airport is to be expanded by 442 hectares, with the addition of a third runway and terminal, as well as other facilities. When work is finished in 2018, passenger numbers are expected to more than double from 22 million in 2008 to 50 million in 2035.
“The new-look Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport will be able to go head to head with rival facilities in Hong Kong and Singapore,” an MOTC official said.
Stage one of the surrounding development, the official said, involves a multistep 3,200-hectare land appropriation. This will feature a 1,700-hectare site comprising an aviation industry zone, commerce and trade exhibition park, coastal recreation area, quality living center and specialized agriculture projects.
Land bounding the Dayuan, Hengshan and Kengkou stops of the Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Access MRT System is affected by the appropriation, the official said, adding that purchases will be funded by early-bird sales and the Council for Economic Planning and Development’s public construction finance scheme.
Central government funding for the aerotropolis totals NT$374.3 billion (US$12.8 billion), including NT$249.5 billion from Taiwan Taoyuan International Airport Corp., NT$103.7 billion from the Civil Aviation Operation Fund, and NT$21.1 billion from the Highway Construction and Management Fund. An additional NT$38.4 billion will come from the private sector.
Scheduled for completion in 2021, the project is expected to create 80,000 jobs and generate output of NT$600 billion-plus per year. (JSM)
Write to Rachel Chan at ccchan@mofa.gov.tw