Two Connecticut airports will receive $7 million in federal aviation grants, including $3.1 million that is helping lay the groundwork for a major expansion at Tweed New Haven Airport that could break ground late next year.
The grants from the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program, also are providing $3.9 million to Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks for upgrades, some of which are connected to new additions to the east and west ends of the terminal, which include space for future gates.
Tweed New Haven’s plans call for the addition of a second, 84,000-square-foot terminal with four gates that could be expanded in the future. The cost of the new terminal project is now estimated to be between $100 million and $200 million, airport officials said Tuesday, well above the initial projection of $70 million.
The $3.1 million grant be used to reimburse the airport for an environmental assessment that was required by federal regulators for the expansion. In addition, the grants will help finance the design of the project, including a 975-foot, runway extension. The longer runway is integral to the expansion, needed to accommodate aircraft with larger passenger capacities now favored by airlines.
A new rendering shows an aerial view of the terminal planned for Tweed New Haven Airport. (The New HVN/PGAL)
All together, the terminal project has now received $10.5 million in federal grants. Once ground is broken, it is estimated it will take 12-18 months to construct.
“These federal investments represent another milestone in building a stronger, more resilient, and future-ready Tweed New Haven Airport,” said Michael Jones, chief executive of The New HVN, which is overseeing the expansion. “By modernizing our runways and taxiways, we are ensuring (Tweed New Haven) continues to meet the highest standards of safety and efficiency while also supporting expanded service options for southern Connecticut residents. These improvements lay the foundation for the next generation of travel, commerce and community benefit at Tweed.”
The new terminal project has been controversial. It has drawn opposition from the town of East Haven, where the expansion would be located; Save the Sound, the environmental advocacy group; and residents in the surrounding neighborhood.
The expansion has been promoted as good for the area’s economic development and as alternative for air travelers in New Haven and Fairfield counties.
New Haven owns the airport, but a portion of the airfield is in East Haven. East Haven has argued that it would get all the headaches — including traffic, parking issues, pollution and noise — while New Haven would reap the benefits.
Tweed New Haven Airport is embarking on a major expansion that could cost between $100 million and $200 million. (Courant file photo)
The FAA signed off on the project last year based on the environmental assessment, but there is a push from opponents for a deeper look at the environmental impact. A permit also must be secured from the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Connecticut’s Congressional delegation drew praise from both Tweed and Bradley for securing the grants, framed as investments in the region’s economy. The grants are part of $740 million announced last week.
At Bradley, Connecticut’s largest commercial airport, the $58 million in additions will connect the concourse to baggage claim areas at two separate locations. This is intended to relieve the congestion at the existing central stairwell and will create a new lounge areas for people waiting for and seeing off travelers at Bradley. The central stairwell will be eliminated, allowing for an expansion of the Transportation Security Administration, or TSA, passenger checkpoint.
“This additional space helps position the airport for future growth as we continue to increase our number of nonstop destinations and welcome new airline partners,” Michael W. Shea, executive director of the Connecticut Airport Authority, which oversees Bradley’s operations. “The funds will also be used to extend one of our taxiways to make aircraft movement more efficient. Grant assistance like this is critical at (Bradley) and the (CAA’s) five general aviation airports to enhance safety, maintain efficiency in our operations, and offer more convenience for passengers.”
Low-cost Avelo Airlines launched service to a second, international destination on Wednesday. (Aaron Flaum/Hartford Courant)
“This $7 million boost in federal support will make our two major airports safer, more reliable, and comfortable for all flyers,” the state’s Congressional delegation said in a joint statement. “Air passengers deserve better facilities vital to upgrade the flying experience. Connecticut welcomes and depends on visitors from all over the world, and residents who travel widely, to drive our economy. We’ll continue to fight for critically necessary federal investment in our airports.”
Kenneth R. Gosselin can be reached at kgosselin@courant.com.