Federal regulators have ruled that Tweed New Haven Airport may move forward with plans to extend its runway and construct a larger terminal, which is a project the airport is undertaking with the goal of increasing airplane traffic. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) handed down that 25-page “Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision” Friday afternoon about Tweed’s $165 million runway extension and airport expansion plan. The draft assessment published by the airport found that a larger terminal, to be built on the East Haven side of the property, and a longer runway would reduce noise and air pollution caused by an airport that plans to expand its operations no matter what. “The release of this assessment today is a big step forward to ensuring that south-central Connecticut has the reliable transportation opportunities this region needs to grow economically,” Gov. Ned Lamont is quoted as saying. “Additionally, it will ensure that there are commonsense noise and traffic mitigation measures in place that will retain the neighborhood’s quality of life.” In a separate press release, East Haven Mayor Joe Carfora, who has criticized the airport expansion plans after initially embracing them, lamented the ruling. “It is certainly an understatement to say that I am disappointed,” he wrote. “The substantial impact that the proposed action will have on our community is monumental. Our experts, and my staff will fully evaluate the FAA’s findings before announcing our next steps.”
https://www.newhavenindependent.org/article/tweed_environmental