East Haven Files Appeal In Federal Court On FAA's OK Of Tweed Project

EAST HAVEN, CT — Noting it is "deeply concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed Tweed Airport expansion," the town has filed an appeal on the December 2023 ruling by the Federal Aviation Administration giving the airport the green light for the $165 million terminal and runway expansion project.

Submitted to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the town requests a judicial review of the FAA's finding of "no significant impact" as a result of the project.

"The identified shortcomings in the Environmental Assessment, as highlighted by the Town
of East Haven and other parties, neglect to address crucial environmental factors, including
impacts on air quality, wildlife, and water quality," Town Attorney Michael Luzzi noted. "Most notably, the EA fails to provide a comprehensive assessment of the flood control consequences associated with the proposed project.

Luzzi said that East Haven is "deeply concerned about the environmental impact of the proposed Tweed Airport expansion."

"The project's scope, including the construction of a close to $200 million facility in the middle of wetlands and approximately 6,000 parking spaces at or below sea level, raises serious concerns."

This week, in addition to the town's appeal of the federal agency's "Finding of No Significant Impact," environmental organization Save the Sound also filed its objections in federal court.

In statements emailed to Patch, both the head of the airport authority and the Avports CEO

Avports CEO Jorge Roberts said he's "confident in the thorough process undertaken by the FAA, which resulted in an official finding of no significant impact to the environment."

"Legal challenges are a normal part of the process, and the FAA has an excellent track record on appeals of this type," Roberts was quoted as saying. "The project can and will continue to advance as this legal process plays out – design is already well underway and we will continue toward permitting. We’re excited to keep moving forward at HVN.”

Matt Hoey, the Tweed New Haven Airport Authority chair, agreed.

“The airport and its authority have taken part in the detailed, multi-year process for this project, which is overseen by federal and state agencies," Hoey was quoted as saying. "The FAA thoroughly reviewed a detailed Environmental Assessment, and subsequently gave their approval. While the federal legal process plays out, we will continue to work with Avports and the State of Connecticut to continue the design and permitting phase, as required under our lease agreement.”

Luzzi said that the town of East Haven too is "committed to a thorough appeal process."