Connecticut

Hearing Set on Eliminating Airport Runway Length Restriction

Connecticut lawmakers are scheduled to hear testimony on whether the state should eliminate a restriction on the length of Tweed-New Haven Airport's main runway.

Airport officials say a 2009 state law that limits the runway to its current 5,600 feet threatens existing service and prevents Tweed from attracting more commercial flights. They say the runway is too short for most commercial planes to take off safely and want it increased to more than 7,000 feet.

The legislature's Transportation Committee has scheduled a public hearing Monday on legislation to eliminate the restriction.

Some New Haven-area lawmakers and residents are concerned about threats to quality of life and the environment if the runway is lengthened and air traffic increases.

Tweed now only has daily service to Philadelphia and weekly flights to Charlotte.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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