Frequently Asked Questions

The FAA has mandated that the Pittsfield Municipal Airport ("PSF") comply with federal safety regulations. These safety regulations require 1,000 feet of runway safety areas on each end of runway. PSF does not currently comply with these regulations. The airport now has safety areas of about 100 feet and 200 feet on either end of the main runway. These safety regulations make sense when applied to PSF.

Unfavorable weather conditions frequently cause aircraft to divert away from PSF to other airports in the region. When the runway is wet, icy, or covered with snow, braking action is reduced and jets need a larger area to ensure safety. The combination of enhanced runway safety areas with runway extensions will result in an infrastructure that is better equipped to serve the businesses and private aircraft that use our airport.

2) Who pays for the $20 million renovations?

The federal aviation trust fund and the Massachusetts Aeronautics Commission ("MAC") will pay almost the entire cost associated with the runway improvements. The aviation trust will pay $7.3 million, all of which comes from a general user fee account accumulated through fees paid by those that use airports around the country. MAC will pay $11.4 million from a Transportation Bond bill approved by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1997. The city will contribute $1.1 million from the City of Pittsfield. The city's funds have been set -aside in a dedicated fund by the city council.

3) What are the environmental impacts of the project?

The project will comply with all applicable federal and state environmental laws. The Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Report (EA/EIR), which will be prepared by PSF and its consultants, will comply with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). If adequate mitigation cannot be provided to address a specific NEPA or MEPA impact category, Pittsfield Airport Commission will work with FAA, MAC, and environmental agencies to determine an acceptable "practicable alternative," which could include waivers.

This can only be initiated after completion of EA/EIR. The airport commission has proposed adding up to five acres at Wild Acres for every acre of land acquired at the preserve. Moreover, the commission has said that the fishing pond at Wild Acres will not be altered by the renovations.

4) What are the impacts to the neighborhood surrounding the airport?

The airport improvements will actually lower current noise levels at and around the airport. An instrument approach system will be implemented that allows aircraft to make landing approaches from higher altitudes, thereby resulting in decreased power settings and lower noise levels. Moreover, the size of aircraft using the facility will not increase because current runway strength-which will remain the same-prevents heavier jets from landing. To date, six homes and one lot have been taken as part of "friendly" eminent domain proceedings. All of the homeowners have received 100 percent or more of the assessed value. Also, the presence of new housing developments in the airport corridor indicates that the airport does not have a significant impact on the residential market.

5) How will airport improvements affect the local economy?

For many companies in Pittsfield, the airport represents a good opportunity to efficiently conduct business in a region of the country that is not otherwise on the beaten path. The improvements at the airport, which give pilots easier, safer access to the runway, are critical if Pittsfield is to remain a viable place to conduct business.

Because more than 30 businesses throughout Pittsfield and Berkshire County utilize the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, approximately 12,000 employees could be directly affected by the outcome of this project. Also, a host of other individuals and smaller businesses, relying upon the businesses that use the airport, could be impacted. As a result of the renovations, fewer trips will be diverted to Albany and Hartford, thereby giving Pittsfield a more competitive edge in retaining current business and attracting potential investors.

A safe and improved airport facility not only presents a favorable climate for future economic development, but it also shows that we value the businesses that are already an important part of the community.