FHI Airport Work Soaring

Whether it’s contributing to the development of airport master plans, helping airport managers navigate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and permitting requirements, or serving as liaison between airport and surrounding community, FHI’s involvement with aviation projects throughout New England is a growing sector of our practice.

Our current Connecticut work ranges from small private airports like Ellington Airport to mid-sized facilities such as Groton-New London, Tweed New Haven, and Igor I. Sikorsky Memorial Airports.

For Ellington Airport, FHI is completing the environmental component of an airport acquisition feasibility study led by Clough Harbour Associates (CHA). The Town of Ellington is considering the purchase of this private airport, and our work will contribute valuable information to the decision-making process.

Groton-New London Airport is engaged in a master planning process to consider future airside and landside operations and uses to maximize operational efficiency and revenue generation. Working with prime consultant Stantec, FHI is developing an inventory of environmental resources and assessing potential environmental impact at this coastal airport from proposed short-term, mid-term and long-term improvement alternatives.

At Tweed New Haven Airport, FHI is assisting URS and the airport authority with NEPA documentation and permitting requirements associated with a fast-track runway reconstruction and resurfacing project. And, at Sikorsky Airport, also working with URS, we are securing a suite of complicated tidal and inland wetland permits so that construction of a much-needed runway safety area can occur. On these airport projects and others, FHI is also providing key public outreach advice and services, helping our clients to anticipate and address public concerns as they arise.

FHI has more airport work on the horizon. In 2010, we will be conducting public outreach services at North Central Airport in Rhode Island (with Berger) and at Logan International Airport in Boston (with Jacobs). We will also be engaging in more airport acquisition feasibility work at Skylark Airport in East Windsor, again with CHA.

The flight path for airport projects at FHI is definitely on the rise…