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Billion-dollar airport remains stalled by legal and environmental obstacles. Promising to transform the local economy, the project is hampered by bureaucracy and changes in its discourse. With the potential to generate 58 jobs and increase the regional GDP by 20%, Andaraguá Airport remains a sleeping giant, awaiting political action to get off the ground.
Behind a project of colossal proportions, capable of generating 58 thousand empregos and inject billions into the economy, hides a drama that challenges the future of Baixada Santista.
A R$1,5 billion airport, promising to revolutionize the region, remains hampered by legal obstacles and bureaucratic clashes.
Airport and the promise of a sleeping giant
The Andaraguá Airport and Business Complex, in Praia Grande, emerged as one of the largest infrastructure projects in Brazil, planned to boost the economy of Baixada Santista.
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Estimates indicate that the completion of the project could increase the regional GDP by 20%, consolidating the area as a strategic hub on the coast of São Paulo.
However, as highlighted by the newspaper Coastal Diary, the promises did not go beyond the paper.
The project remains at a standstill, with the last relevant milestone being the revocation of the environmental license by Cetesb in 2020.
Since then, the work has been at an impasse, aggravated by changes in the position of the environmental agency itself and legal uncertainties.
Bureaucracies and legal twists and turns
The area reserved for the airport complex, located on the border between Praia Grande and São Vicente, is immense: 12 million square meters.
Interestingly, only 19% would be allocated to the construction of airport and industrial infrastructure, while the other 81% would become a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN).
This configuration aimed to balance development and environmental preservation, a difference that seemed promising.
In 2014, Cetesb granted a preliminary environmental license, paving the way for the start of works.
The plan included a runway larger than that of Santos Dumont and 847 thousand square meters for industrial warehouses inspired by Export Processing Zones (ZPEs).
However, six years later, in 2020, the same Cetesb revoked this license, alleging failure to comply with technical requirements, despite the initial decision having been attributed to the Court of Justice of São Paulo.
According to Coastal Diary, these changes in discourse cause surprise and raise doubts about the handling of the case by the environmental authorities.
Businessman demands action from the state government
André Ursini, representative of Icipar Empreendimentos, the company responsible for the project, highlighted the complexity of the scenario in interviews.
He pointed out that, even after a favorable ruling by the Court of Justice in October 2021, the situation remains stagnant.
According to him, direct action by Governor Tarcísio de Freitas could unlock the project.
“I have already spoken to the governor and I believe he can bring together all those involved to resolve the problem. The risk of invasion of the area and the waste of this space are serious concerns,” said Ursini.
Cetesb, in turn, appealed to the Court of Justice seeking clarification on contradictions in previous rulings. In 2021, the agency obtained a decision that should have unblocked the project, but nothing has changed since then.
Economic impact: from dream to delayed reality
The economic potential of Andaraguá Airport is undeniable.
The estimated creation of 58 thousand jobs, both direct and indirect, represents a watershed for a region still lacking investment in infrastructure.
Furthermore, the construction of industrial warehouses would have the power to attract companies, strengthen production chains and stimulate large-scale economic development.
Ursini revealed that the first phase of the project was ready to begin. It would consist of 247 square meters of industrial warehouses, with a two-year deadline for completion.
The next stage, which would include the airport, would be carried out in sequence, expanding the positive impacts.
Why hasn't the project come to fruition yet?
The justifications for the stoppage include environmental and bureaucratic issues, but time is running out for the project.
The businessman responsible fears that prolonging the situation will result in irreparable damage, such as the deterioration of the land and the loss of interest from investors.
As pointed out by the Coastal Diary, the uncertainty brings not only economic but also social uncertainties, increasing frustration among local residents and entrepreneurs.
Uncertain future: what to expect?
Despite the challenges, there is hope that a solution can be found. The actions of political leaders, combined with pressure from business leaders, could be the decisive factor in reversing the situation.
Meanwhile, the question that echoes is: how long will Baixada Santista have to wait to see the potential of this project transformed into reality?
With billions at stake and the future of an entire region in question, the Andaraguá Airport symbolizes the battle between development and bureaucratic obstacles.
Do you believe that political support will be enough to get this project off the ground?
As always, federal government agencies hinder the country's development, as do environmental agencies. The same thing happens in Angra dos Reis, with immense tourist potential that could generate thousands of jobs because of Ibama, the country is not developing. The Paraty Cunha mountain range could also bring hundreds or thousands of jobs, duplicating or even building another highway to speed up and improve the development of the Paraty Cunha region, with more agility in transportation, new routes for emergency evacuation because of the Angra nuclear plant, which is approximately 80km from Paraty.
Unbelievable that anyone still believes in this megalomaniac blog.
Another **** with the desire to hold the Federal government responsible.
Cetesb ****, is a supervisory body of the government of the State of São Paulo.
The Court of Justice of the State of São Paulo is also responsible for making decisions that are contrary to the project.