Local towns lend support to revitalize Tweed airport

By Joshua Marks

LIZ OLINER/YH Tweed airport is plagued by a lack of jet service.

"[It's] a significant statement of support," Edwin Van Selden, interim director of the airport's regional authority, said. Greater New Haven towns have never collectively contributed funds to such a project in the past.

The money will not make a major dent in Tweed's expected budget for its first five years under regional control, or towards its $1.3 million operating deficit, but it does send a strong signal to the State General Assembly, which is now deciding whether to grant $3 million to the airport. "I don't think there are any good reasons to turn [the proposal] down," Roger Joyce, regional airport authority chairman, said. Mayor John DeStefano, Jr. has pledged to match state money with city funds.

According to Joyce, the assembly initially questioned the community's support for Tweed. To allay their fears, authority members contacted local elected officials to rally support. "We wanted to be sure that reason to turn [the proposal] down wasn't available," Joyce said.

One potential hurdle is political and partisan maneuvering in the assembly. With representatives up for re-election, the Assembly could quash a bill requesting $3 million simply because of its cost.

However, Joyce believes this threat might work in the proposal's favor. The proposal would create more jobs, an attractive electoral prospect. Furthermore, Governor John Rowland has allotted $135 million for Hartford's Bradley Airport, leading Joyce to conclude that "[The Rowland administration] understands the value of strong airports...everybody understands that Tweed is important."

If the proposal passes, the next step will be a master plan to assess Tweed's needs. Tweed has suffered from a lack of jet service since its major carriers pulled out last year and the airport switched from city to regional control.

The plan could result in significant physical changes and a much debated runway extension to attract jet service. Joyce said that the authority is trying to attract airlines such as Southwest, which has expressed interest in flying planes into Tweed.

Back to News...