NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — The potential expansion of Tweed Airport may finally move forward after being discussed for many years.
The initiative is encountering environmental oversight as it transitions under the jurisdiction of the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
The following step involves sending off the Inland and Tidal Wetland permit application to DEEP. Given that the area around the airport is classified as coastal wetlands, the approval process for this will likely be stringent.
Andrew King, an airport spokesperson, stated, “The team has made significant progress in reducing the effect on wetlands. To guarantee that both the terminal and the whole airport function as a basin containing floodwaters, the terminal will be elevated approximately 12 feet above ground level.”
The updated expansions will add 1,000 feet to the runway length, provide an additional 4,000 parking spaces, and construct a new terminal.
According to airport authorities, their submission includes plans to rehabilitate and expand the tidal wetlands. They also intend to preserve 25 acres of land for wildlife indefinitely and pledge to implement a five-year oversight program to guarantee compliance with established guidelines.
A lot of longtime residents in the region are against the expansion, and their opposition dates back to when it was first announced in 2021. A major worry they have is increased noise pollution.
This year, the airport has decided to host six public meetings, providing an opportunity for the local community to voice their opinions on matters concerning the expansion project.
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