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Federal Government has mandated the Pittsfield Municipal Airport (PMA) to have 1,000 feet of improved runway safety areas on both ends:
Increasing runway length allows aircraft to land safely in all weather conditions;
Increasing runway also allows corporate jets to fly non-stop to and from the west coast;
Improvements will allow aircraft to safely use the Airport on a year round basis.
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Safety, and maintaining the current use of the airport, is the issue!
Adverse weather conditions cause a percentage of flights to be diverted to Albany International Airport.
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97 percent of the cost of this project comes from outside sources:
$11.4M - Massachusetts Aeronautic Commission Transport Bond
$7.3M - Federal Aviation Administration general user fees
$1.1M -City of Pittsfield
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City has earmarked $2M for airport use.
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To remain eligible for future state and federal funds, the Airport needs to be in compliance with FAA regulations:
If the runway were to be reduced, the airport will be virtually unusable.
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Aircraft size will not increase as a result of runway improvements since current runway strength capacity prevents heavier jets from landing.
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Noise levels will decrease with the use of new instrument approach procedure:
Aircraft will make landing approach from higher altitude resulting in decreased power settings and lower noise levels.
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Project will provide at least 20 acres of site-ready land with municipal water and sewer for compatible light industrial/business park development.
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Project will pump at least $5M into local economy during construction for direct and indirect economic benefits.
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An improved airport facility shows a favorable climate for future economic development (this is important to both job preservation and job creation). |
