For Immediate Release:
July 1, 2002

For Additional Information Contact:
David Bissaillon, President & CEO
Victoria Ross, Director of Marketing & Communications
Berkshire Chamber of Commerce
413-499-4000, extension 15
dbissaillon@berkshirechamber.com

Pittsfield ~ The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce today voiced strong support for the proposed Airport Safety and Runway Improvement Program at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport.

The federal government has mandated that the Pittsfield Municipal Airport have 1000 feet of runway safety areas on each end of the runway to comply with the most recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) standards. In order to comply with these regulations, the Pittsfield Airport Commission (PAC) must relocate 850 feet from the runway 8-end to the runway 26-end and also add 1000 feet of safety area to the 26- end.

In addition, the project includes several other airport improvements including a 950-foot extension to the primary runway, an upgrade of the runway approach instrumentation, extension of water/sewer lines, replacement and modernization of the terminal area, and several environmental impact mitigation efforts. These improvements will enhance the operational capabilities of the existing fleet at Pittsfield. When complete, the airport will be state-of-the-art making a positive statement about doing business in Pittsfield and the Berkshire region.

The total estimated cost of the project is approximately $20 million. The City's investment in the runway safety and improvement project is estimated to be $1.1 million. $11.4 million will come from a Transportation Bond Issue by the Massachusetts Aeronautic Commission (MAC). If this bond is not used at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, it will be used elsewhere in the state. The remaining $7.3 million is funded through contributions from the Aviation Trust Fund of the FAA, through general user fees.

Mandated runway safety areas with a corresponding runway extension must be established to meet the needs of the facility. An alternative is to shorten the runway, making it virtually impossible for the existing corporate aircraft fleet to take off and land in Berkshire County. This could cripple economic development efforts in the Berkshires.

One major problem with the Pittsfield Municipal Airport, currently, is that unfavorable weather conditions frequently cause aircraft, regularly scheduled to depart and land in Pittsfield, to divert to other airports capable of handling landings in such weather. According to George Noble, manager of the Pittsfield Airport, "The runway extension is needed to allow the current business jet fleet to utilize the airport under all weather conditions. When the runway is wet, icy or snow covered, braking action is reduced and jets need a larger area for safety. Furthermore, if the airport does not comply with federal standards, the tax burden for improvements will fall solely on the City of Pittsfield."

Clearly defined benefits of this project include new land being made available for new business development, an improved transportation facility generating additional on-airport revenue and a state of the art facility enhancing airfield safety. Environmental improvements will also be included to address impacts due to construction.

Chamber Board Chair, David Kalib had this to say, "The Chamber is pleased to see that Mayor Hathaway has made statements of support for this project. From a purely practical standpoint this program is necessary to meet the problems of safety and access at the Pittsfield Municipal Airport." Kalib continued, "Businesses today are under pressure to perform at a 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. This is 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 all aircraft in and out of Pittsfield."

Michael Lyon, chief pilot for Lyon Aviation said, "The scope of the project is not to increase air traffic or noise levels in Pittsfield. The purpose is to enhance the safety of all operations on a daily basis, and keep the airport in compliance with FAA regulations." Lyon added, "Currently, existing noise levels are causing the most significant impact on neighboring residents. With the improvement program and the implementation of the new instrument approach procedure that is planned, aircraft will make a landing approach from a higher altitude resulting in decreased power settings and lower noise levels."

Randall Christensen of the engineering firm of Dufresne-Henry said, "We want to stress that the current safety proposal and runway improvement program will not increase the size of aircraft flying in and out of Pittsfield. That is simply not possible due to the current runway strength capacity." Christensen added, "To take no action will expose Pittsfield and the airport to significant potential liability in the event of an accident resulting from non-compliance."

According to David Bissaillon, President & CEO of the Chamber, "In the coming months, the Chamber plans to host open informational sessions with legislators and members of the community, in an effort to keep the public informed and updated on this important safety and economic development initiative. We want to be sure that residents of the Berkshires are aware of the importance of this project, as it clearly affects the entire county." Supporters of the project are encouraged to write to their Pittsfield City Councilors and Mayor Sara Hathaway. Please call the Chamber's Director of Marketing & Communications, Victoria Ross, at 413-499-4000, extension 14, for contact information.