As FAA Tweed Expansion OK Appeals Filed, Feds Give $2.5M For Terminal

NEW HAVEN, CT — The Tweed New Haven Airport Authority Board announced early Friday that it has been awarded a $2,500,000 federal grant from the Federal Aviation Administration for the construction of a new terminal building.

It's noted the funding is in "furtherance of previously announced plans to design and build a state-of-the-art 75,000 sq ft terminal complex," a news release noted. The Authority said that, "Planning and design work will commence immediately, with further updates on the project's progress to be shared in due course."

The new facility will feature six gates, an appropriately sized security screening area, new baggage handling systems, and holding room areas designed to accommodate current and future aircraft utilizing the airport, according to the Airport Authority.

The new grant was made possible via the 2021 federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which included $5 billion in funding for competitive grants aimed at revitalizing the aging infrastructure of airports across the nation, the release reads.

The FAA posted to X, formerly Twitter: "We're awarding nearly $1B in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants to more than 100 airports to fund new baggage systems, bigger security checkpoints and modernized terminals—improving your travel experience and building safer airports."

Tweed was just one of the 114 airports in 44 states and three territories that are on the receiving end of the $970 million from President Joe Biden’s Bipartisan Investing in America agenda.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg was quoted as saying the funding is part of the Administration’s Investing in America tour (and) delivers on President Biden’s commitment to rebuilding our nation’s infrastructure while lowering costs for families, creating good jobs, and advancing opportunity for all Americans.

"We are incredibly grateful for this federal support of Tweed, and all of Southern Connecticut," New Haven Airport Authority Board chair Matt Hoey said. "The FAA approved the project plan in December, and this grant shows their continued support for a modern airport that can fully serve the needs of passengers. A carbon-neutral terminal will significantly enhance the overall passenger experience, reduce impact on our neighbors, and allow us to follow the science into a sustainable future at Tweed New Haven Airport."

Hoey said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro has championed the effort and thanked her for her "leadership."

"These grants are intended to support the development of airport terminal projects that prioritize safety, sustainability, and accessibility," according to the Authority. "The scope of these projects also extends to multimodal development, highlighting the comprehensive approach taken to modernize and upgrade our nation's aviation infrastructure."

This investment in HVN marks an important step forward for Tweed New Haven Airport, which has been operating out of a 1931 terminal complex that is not only undersized but also frequently subject to flooding, the release reads. The new terminal will address these issues, providing a much-needed upgrade to facilities and ensuring the airport continues to serve as a vital hub for transportation and economic development in Southern Connecticut, it's noted.

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said that the FAA award to help construct the new terminal is an "important and meaningful step toward the responsible and sustainable development" of the airport.

"New Haven is a growing city and this new terminal will help improve the travel experience for the thousands of residents and visitors who are utilizing the airport every day to fly to the Elm City and to visit over 21 different destinations," Elicker said. He added that he is grateful for the "FAA’s continued support for Tweed-New Haven Airport." And also pointed to the efforts of DeLauro and the city's "federal delegation’s leadership in helping to secure these critical funds for this project.”

Avports CEO Jorge Roberts called the project "transformative."

"We have just begun to invest over $100 million in Southern Connecticut and appreciate this support for a sustainable future at HVN. This project is about creating a better travel experience for our passengers, fostering job growth in the community, and following science into the future," he said, while also lauding DeLauro for her "unwavering support and dedication to improving Tweed. We're ready to turn this vision into reality and usher in a new era of sustainable airports.”