NEW HAVEN, Conn — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has found that the proposed expansion of Tweed New Haven Airport would have "no significant impact" on the surrounding area, bringing Tweed one step closer to starting the proposed project.
The FAA released Friday its "Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision," along with the Final Environmental Assessment. The FAA found that there would be no environmental impacts of the proposed new terminal and runway extension at Tweed.
The full assessments can be found here.
It is not immediately clear what the next steps are in the proposed expansion process.
The proposed $165 million expansion program has mixed opinions from airport officials, municipal leaders, and neighbors of the airport.
Tweed calls this decision a "major milestone" in its process to expand the airport.
“We are thrilled with the FAA’s decision — the greater Southern Connecticut deserves a convenient and affordable alternative for leisure and business travel, while addressing and mitigating the environmental impacts,” said Matt Hoey, Chairman of the New Haven Airport Authority Board. “This milestone is one of several needed to fulfill a vision of what could be possible at Tweed, and it moves us closer to realizing that vision via the expansion of the runway and a new terminal. We look forward to working with our partner, Avports, to make that vision a reality."
New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker echoes the applause, saying this process will ensure Tweed's growth is done in a "responsible and sustainable manner."
“I am grateful for the work of the Tweed-New Haven Airport Authority, the many technical professionals and our residents who participated in this process," Elicker said. "This is a big step, but just one of many steps, as we support Avelo and build the new terminal all with the lens toward economic growth and the wellbeing of the surrounding community.”
East Haven Mayor Joseph Carfora, however, is not on board. He said he is "disappointed" in the FAA's findings.
"The Town of East Haven has committed a number of well-placed assets to provide the FAA with detailed information about our concerns from traffic, public safety to the environment," Carfora said. "The substantial impact that the proposed action will have on our community is monumental."
Throughout the process of proposing Tweed's airport expansion, neighbors have expressed health & safety, home value and environmental concerns. In a June 2022 public meeting about the expansion, one resident in attendance told FOX61 the airport "diminishes your quality of life," and the expansion could make "it much worse."
The FAA noted that it's the airport's responsibility to keep track of aircraft noise, and those who have concerns should first contact the airport. Information from the FAA regarding noise complaints can be found here.
Leah Myers is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at lmyers@fox61.com
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