NYC-Based Engineering Firm Tapped to Lead Construction Of Tweed-New Haven Airport's $250M Expansion

NEW HAVEN-EAST HAVEN, CT — Tweed-New Haven Airport operator AVports has tapped a New York City-based engineering firm to lead construction on the $250 million airport expansion project, it announced in a news release.

Described as a "leading professional services firm that plans, designs, and manages infrastructure projects across North America," STV will provide construction management services for the terminal development plan, it was noted.

Construction is scheduled to begin in 2026, with completion anticipated by 2028.

The airport sits in both New Haven and East Haven. The expansion plan calls for the new terminal to be on the East Haven side, with the entrance and exit from the airport also on the East Haven side.

But not so fast, said East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, a day-one opponent to the expansion plan based on what it means for his town.

After noting he'd reviewed the AVports news release naming STV as construction manager for behemoth project, Carfora told Patch its announcement is premature, at best.

"While Avports and its consultants may choose to publicize anticipated timelines or operational plans, none of these announcements change the reality that this project remains subject to local land use approvals, public safety review, and a complete understanding of the impacts on East Haven residents," Carfora said. "The Town of East Haven will continue to rely on facts, established procedures, and the full authority that Connecticut law provides to municipalities."

In its media release, AVports noted that as part of its scope, STV’s local Hartford-based team will oversee the development of the program, which includes:

• A new 80,000-square-foot East Terminal designed to improve operational efficiency and offer modern passenger amenities, including expanded gate areas, upgraded concessions as well as comfortable waiting and lounge spaces;

• A runway extension from 5,600 feet to 6,575 feet, enabling larger aircraft and expanded route options;

• Parking facilities for up to 4,000 vehicles, improving access and convenience for travelers;

• Environmental enhancements, including restoring 28.5 acres of tidal wetlands and creating more than three acres of new tidal salt marsh to compensate for the nine acres of wetlands affected by the project.

Carfora said none of this can move forward until AVports crosses myriad T's and dot's numerous I's.

"Our position has been consistent. East Haven must not be placed in a different category than any other community impacted by a major expansion of this kind. The applicant followed local zoning and environmental processes in New Haven, and we expect the same respect for East Haven’s jurisdiction," Carfora pointed out. "This includes meaningful engagement on issues such as traffic circulation, stormwater and flood risk, emergency access, and the ongoing burden placed on the neighborhoods that border the airport."

The Mayor said that the town's "legal representatives and technical experts are fully engaged, and the Town will exercise every regulatory and legal opportunity available to ensure that East Haven is protected."

"We will continue to participate in state agency proceedings and will evaluate any new materials that Avports or STV submit." Carfora said. "No press release can substitute for the required review or diminish the concerns raised by our residents, our public safety officials, and our engineering staff.
Until that process is complete, any representation that the project is ready to move forward is premature."

And even as Carfora points out that this is not a done deal, Robert Reed, chairman of the New Haven Airport Authority, was quoted in the announcement as saying, "The election of STV marks real, tangible progress toward delivering an airport that meets the growing demand for convenient air travel."

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