Why Pittsfield Needs Airport Improvements

"The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce is a strong supporter of the proposed new airport safety and runway improvement program."

"We acknowledge there are specific objections from some neighborhood groups, but from a purely practical standpoint this program is necessary to meet the problems of safety and access at the Pittsfield Airport."

"Businesses today are under pressure to perform at world class-level. That includes every business in Berkshire County. An improved airport is necessary to increase the opportunity for success for every company located here."

"The federal government has mandated that airports such as Pittsfield's must meet new runway safety area standards. This requirement is linked to a runway extension of 950 ft. The safety improvements - which must be made - will cost $10.5 million. The runway extension is $2.8 million. Ninety seven percent of the project will be funded by the FAA and the Massachusetts Airport Commission."

"When the government has looked at the physical properties of the runways and land adjacencies, they have definitely concluded that one of two things must happen.

Either:
• Mandated runway safety areas with a corresponding runway extension must be established to meet today's needs
  or
• The current runway must be shortened by close to 2000 feet. This would make it impossible for business jets to take off and land in Berkshire County.

"However, the proposed runway extension will not increase airport noise as some have suggested, since no heavier aircraft will be able to use the airport due to runway strength limitations. In fact, the extended runway will permit flight paths that permit quieter operations."

"I want to stress that the extended runway will not add air traffic to the airport. It will simply provide the room for business aircraft to continue to land safely at the airport, within the requirements of FAA regulations. To take no action will expose Pittsfield and the airport to significant liability in the event of an accident resulting because of non-compliance."

"Are there benefits to the program? Yes, and they are many. The benefits are the big story."

"It's not just a large company issue. There are many small companies whose employees depend on the airport to get in and out quickly. The project will provide adequate space for safe operation of business jet aircraft into and out of Pittsfield, which is absolutely essential for many users who work for businesses in Pittsfield."

The project will also keep the airport eligible for future funding for FAA/MAC, which will be impossible to obtain otherwise."

"With the improved airport, 20 acres of "site-ready" land will be made available allowing for light industrial and business park development. Currently there are a limited number of sites available for new business ventures and many of them require significant funding for development."

"In addition, the project will provide an anticipated $5 million to the local economy in the form of paychecks, purchased goods and other economic benefits."

"Can this be done with minimum disruption to our treasured national landscape? Certainly. No one is more concerned about maintaining our beautiful surroundings than I am. The Chamber is intensely aware that the natural beauty and rural character of the area are driving forces in the regional economy."

"There are no simple formulas…no shortcuts to building a successful economy. But there are steps….and an airport improvement program is one important step."

"Of course, opponents could still kill the airport-improvement program. But that will only make it more difficult - in the short and long term - for businesses and visitors to view the Berkshires as an attractive and viable destination point. And the urgent need for new jobs and successful businesses with employees who must fly in and out of the Berkshires will not go away."