Feds approve Tweed Airport’s expansion plan

Tweed New Haven Airport has received federal approval of its $165 million proposal to expand operations with the extension of its runway and the construction of a larger terminal on the East Haven side of the facility.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published the 25-page “Finding of No Significant Impact and Record of Decision” on Friday afternoon, and the report determined that a larger terminal and longer runway would reduce noise and air pollution.

“The FAA believes that with respect to the Proposed Action, there are no outstanding environmental issues within FAA jurisdiction to be studied or NEPA requirements that have not been met,” the report said.

The FAA’s decision was welcomed by Gov. Ned Lamont and New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker, although East Haven Mayor Joe Carfora criticized the agency.

“It is certainly an understatement to say that I am disappointed,” Carfora said in a statement. “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.”

The airport had tried for years to extend its runway to attract more commercial flights. Currently, the budget carrier Avelo Airlines is the only commercial carrier at Tweed, where it operates an East Coast hub.